Traffic and parking are issues that affect everyone living in, working in or visiting Dunkeld and Birnam. Residents have raised a range of concerns over recent years relating to traffic speeds, pedestrian safety, parking availability and the impact of visitor numbers on village streets.
The Community Council is working with the Dunkeld & Birnam Community Development Trust, residents and Perth & Kinross Council to better understand these issues and identify practical improvements that can make our villages safer, easier to navigate and more accessible for everyone.
Feedback on traffic and parking has been gathered through several routes, including community Walking Meetings, public meetings, the Development Trust’s resident parking survey, and comments submitted to the Community Council via email and social media.
This page brings together documents, updates and information relating to traffic and parking in Dunkeld and Birnam so that residents can easily follow the work that is taking place.
Community Engagement
Traffic and parking priorities are being shaped through ongoing engagement with residents.
Key sources of feedback include:
• Community Walking Meetings (2022–2024)
• the community Traffic and Parking meeting held in November
• the public meeting held on 10 March, with feedback currently being reviewed
• the Dunkeld & Birnam Community Development Trust resident parking survey
• the PH8 Local Place Plan (2025)
• comments and feedback received by the Community Council via email, Facebook and Community Council meetings
These sources help ensure that the issues and priorities being discussed reflect a wide range of experiences across Dunkeld and Birnam.
Traffic and Parking Documents
The following documents provide further information about traffic and parking issues in Dunkeld and Birnam and the feedback gathered from residents.
Traffic and Parking Summary
This document summarises the feedback gathered through community engagement to date, including Walking Meetings, the community traffic and parking meeting, feedback received by the Community Council, and discussions with partner organisations. View the Traffic and Parking Summary
Resident Parking Survey Results
The Dunkeld & Birnam Community Development Trust carried out a Resident Parking Survey to better understand parking pressures and residents’ experiences of parking in Dunkeld and Birnam.
The survey received 291 responses from residents across the PH8 area and provides useful insight into parking availability, enforcement and possible improvements. View the Resident Parking Survey Results
Current Updates
This section provides updates on traffic and parking matters currently being progressed.
Boat Road Clearway – Update
Perth & Kinross Council has confirmed that a clearway will be introduced on Boat Road, Dunkeld.
The clearway is intended to prevent obstructive parking and to help ensure the safe and free flow of traffic along this section of road.
The proposal was originally requested by local elected members at a ward meeting and was subsequently reviewed by Perth & Kinross Council Roads.
A drawing showing the extent of the clearway can be viewed here.
The comment submitted to Perth & Kinross Council by the Community Council during the consultation process is available to read here.
Further updates will be shared as implementation progresses.
Traffic and Parking Action Plan – Progress Update
We continue to work closely with Perth & Kinross Council (PKC), local partners and the community to address traffic and parking challenges across Dunkeld, Birnam and surrounding areas.
Short Term Actions – Progress Update
Good progress is being made on several immediate priorities:
- Pedestrian safety on the bridge
- PKC has agreed to support improved signage for a one-pavement / one-way system. We are currently awaiting design drawings and will meet with PKC to confirm timescales.
- Parking enforcement
- PKC is exploring increased traffic warden presence during peak periods. While community wardens are not feasible, we will have a direct contact to report ongoing issues.
- Additional parking options
- A site is being considered for temporary summer use, with potential for longer-term development as a car park.
- A request to use a private car park in the village for weekday business parking (9am–5pm) is being explored.
- Village parking map
- Work is underway to develop a clear, shareable parking map to direct visitors to available spaces.
- Time-limited parking
- PKC has confirmed that introducing time-restricted parking is possible. We are awaiting drawings and will help shape suitable time limits.
- Car park improvements
- A joint site visit with PKC will be arranged to explore whether existing car parks could be reconfigured to increase capacity.
- Resident-focused measures
- Redevelopment of The Cross and Cathedral Street may resolve some parking / traffic issues. PKC has agreed to provide some options.
- Options for supporting local shoppers will be considered by the working group.
- Public transport and infrastructure
- PKC will connect us with Transport Scotland to review A9 bus stops and safety improvements.
- Support is also being offered for design and costings related to the Braan bridge to help unlock future funding.
- Visitor management
- Discussions with the National Trust for Scotland regarding Hermitage parking and signage are progressing.
- Work with local paths and walking groups is ongoing to explore alternative access and funding opportunities.
- Data and evidence
- A working group is being established, with support from the Development Trust, to carry out traffic and visitor surveys.
Medium Term Actions – Progress Update
Planning is underway for a number of measures to improve traffic flow and safety:
- Speed management
- PKC is supportive of installing speed bumps at village entrances.
- A 20mph speed limit in Birnam has already been approved and can now progress.
- Traffic control measures
- Speed-triggered lights are not suitable for pedestrian crossings but may be used for traffic control where appropriate.
- “Car Park Full” signage is being explored to better direct visitors.
- Parking capacity
- Potential new parking at the rear drive of Dunkeld House is being investigated.
- Digital and visitor information
- Work will begin on improving visibility of alternative parking through Google and social media channels.
- Speed awareness signage
- Vehicle-activated signs are possible, though ongoing maintenance funding remains a challenge. The Development Trust could support securing funding for maintenance.
- Freight and traffic flow
- Options for re-routing HGVs are being considered.
- Restricting delivery times (before 9am / after 5pm) is also being explored.
- Strategic review
- We are exploring funding to appoint a consultant to carry out a comprehensive parking and traffic review.
Long Term Actions – Progress Update
Looking ahead, we are beginning to explore more transformational solutions:
Alternative river crossings
The Development Trust has agreed to investigate options for a new footbridge / walking and cycling bridge, helping to reduce pressure on existing infrastructure.
Next Steps
Over the coming months, we will:
- Continue working with PKC to progress designs and approvals
- Begin implementing quick-win improvements where possible
- Strengthen communication with residents, businesses and visitors
- Gather data to inform longer-term decisions
We will continue working with residents and partner organisations to identify practical actions that improve safety and help manage traffic and parking pressures.
Updates will continue to be shared on this page as the work progresses.
How to Provide Feedback
Residents are encouraged to share their views on traffic and parking issues in Dunkeld and Birnam.
This work is being shaped by the community, and ongoing input from residents is essential to identifying priorities and developing practical, locally supported solutions.
You can contact the Community Council by email, through our Facebook page or raise issues at Community Council meetings.
Community feedback plays a central role in ensuring that the approach reflects the needs and experiences of people living and working in the area.Please do get in touch if you have any questions or suggestions.