COUNCILLORS have agreed to increase vehicle restrictions on Irvine Moor in a bid to keep out travellers.

At the most recent meeting of North Ayrshire Council’s Irvine Area Committee, councillors voted in favour of installing bollards to restrict vehicle access.

Metal bollards will be installed at two separate locations in Bogside while wooden bollards will be erected along the Moor’s boundary with Carrick Drive.

In total, the bollards will cost £8,000 to install and will be funded from the Irvine Common Good Fund.

The proposals came about after four unauthorised traveller encampments descended on the Moor during the summer months.

It’s been revealed that the encampments cost the council £4,814 in legal, uplift and disposal costs, equivalent to £1,204 per encampment.

The proposal was backed by residents in the nearby streets which was revealed in a report from Executive Director of Place Craig Hatton.

A consultation with residents in Carrick Drive, Norman Crescent and Racecourse Place found the majority favoured the installations. Seven out of all eight responders were in favour.

However all responders highlighted concerns about traffic congestion where private vehicle users would opt to park along the road on Carrick Drive.

The council insist that the extent of any potential parking issues cannot be determined at this time.

However, they insist that a number of measures could be instigated at a later date including the implementation of waiting restrictions and the creation of a parking area near to the entrance to the Moor.