Drivers have been issued with an urgent warning of new parking laws launching today which could see them fined £100 if they break new parking rules.
From today, December 11, local authorities around Scotland will have the power to begin enforcing laws cracking down on pavement parking.
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 will ban pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs.
There will, however, be certain exemptions designated by local authorities, such as ensuring safe access for emergency response vehicles.
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If someone is caught breaking the new parking rules, they could be fined £100, although it will be reduced to £50 if it is paid within 14 days.
Charities and organisations like Living Streets, Guide Dogs and the British Parking Association have called on governments across the UK to ensure the ban is not undermined by “weak guidelines”.
Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Transport, confirmed that the new rules would be accompanied by radio, outdoor and social media advertising to ensure drivers are aware of their actions.
The Scottish National Party MSP for Linlithgow said: “The message here is clear: pavement parking is unsafe, unfair and illegal, and you could be fined up to £100 for it.
“Local authorities can begin to issue fines from December 11, so this campaign is really important to make sure everyone in Scotland is aware that enforcement is coming.
“We’re highlighting the danger that illegal pavement parking poses to pavement users, and in particular those with mobility issues or visual impairments, or parents pushing prams and buggies.”
She added that the new changes would help support communities acclimatise to active travel options like walking, as well as reducing emissions in the long term.
Road Safety Scotland campaign is calling on motorists to “spread the word” about the new rules and the potential for new fines.
One of the campaigners involved is Mike Harrison, who has been in a wheelchair following a cycling accident 17 years ago.
He described pavement parking as a “nuisance”, adding that they can make journeys more dangerous by having to scrape against a wall or moving out into the road.
Mike Harrison added: “Once you’re on the road, of course, you’re more vulnerable, especially if the traffic is coming up behind me.
“The new enforcement will make it clear to people what is required and will make journeys safer and more convenient.”
The Department for Transport consulted on an England-wide ban in 2020, with the results yet to be released.
A debate on pavement parking was heard in Parliament in March earlier this year with Labour MPs including Afzal Khan and Kim Leadbeater calling on the Government to enact change.
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Some exemptions will be available for emergency vehicles
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Leadbeater, who represents Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire, said: “Sadly, it is an issue that affects people in my constituency daily. Does he agree that ultimately what we need to rid our towns and villages of this problem is behaviour change?
“The question is how we get people to stop inconsiderate, selfish and dangerous parking that blocks paths for pedestrians, wheelchair users, pushchairs and guide dogs.”
