An AI-generated image of how Eileen Knowles would look as a traffic warden
A Johnstone resident has hit out at drivers who seem to think a town centre bus bay is simply a convenient lay-by for popping into the shops.
Eileen Knowles has spoken out after repeated issues with vehicles parking in the large bus bay outside Poundland, Top Cards and the former Anaya’s, opposite Houston Square.
As some people defended those parking in the bay, Eileen made clear she is no longer willing to ignore it.
She said: “Your sarcasm doesn’t wash with me. I am now seriously thinking of taking photos of illegally parked vehicles who inconvenience me.”
According to Eileen, the concept of a “bus bay” appears to be more of a suggestion than a rule for some motorists.
She described challenging one cyclist, only to be met with an abusive gesture, before a driver in a black car informed her it was “none of my business” — a bold stance, given buses and passengers are the ones directly affected.
Eileen said she was also insulted and threatened during other encounters, while a uniformed officer reportedly told her the area was not a bus stop — despite vehicles managing to park across the entire bay anyway.
The result, she says, is buses struggling to get in properly, meaning passengers are left climbing on and off at awkward angles instead of stepping safely onto the pavement.
“Almost invariably, such ‘motorists’ are a danger to both bus users and other drivers,” she said.
She added that there is plenty of parking available in nearby council car parks, but some drivers appear unwilling to walk the extra few steps.
“There is free parking in the many council operated car parks in Johnstone, so there is zero excuse for such laziness or inconsideration,” she said.
The issue has sparked debate online, with some residents offering different views.
Leanne said: “If it means you can’t safely get on and off a bus then fair enough.. but for people with disability’s who drive . This is sometimes their only option closest to the shops.. there’s not enough parking down the town close to the shops.. literally both sides are for buses.. maybe they should think about moving some of the bus stops to help drivers out.”
Another commenter, Charlie Mcmillan, added: “Are you the resident traffic warden?”
Eileen later responded to that comment, saying she is now considering reporting offending vehicles.
She said: “Your sarcasm doesn’t wash with me. I am now seriously thinking of taking photos of illegally parked vehicles who inconvenience me, so that I can send them to Renfrewshire Council, hopefully get parking enforcement and even arranged for parking tickets to be sent to the vehicle owners.
“Mark the Johnstone Castle Service 1 drivers and his relief drivers are sick of this too. When someone has a nasty fall or gets run over it will be too late.”
Eileen suggested a possible compromise could be dedicated blue badge parking in the area, or even a new multi-storey car park in the future.
In the meantime, she is considering taking matters into her own hands by photographing offending vehicles and sending them to the council — which may come as a surprise to drivers who thought parking rules in Johnstone were purely decorative.
