A public information campaign is getting underway in Scotland to make people aware that they could soon be fined for parking on the pavement.
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 bans pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs, with certain exemptions designated by local authorities – for example to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles.
From 11 December 2023, local authorities can begin enforcing the law. This means drivers could be fined £100 for these parking behaviours; reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
The new campaign includes radio, outdoor and social media advertising, highlighting the dangers pavement parking poses to pavement users, forcing them to take unnecessary risks by moving around the car and onto the road.
Scotland’s Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop 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 11 December, 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.
“Scotland is the first of the four nations to make pavement parking illegal nationwide. This change in legislation is a step towards developing communities that are better able to support active travel, building on the work that is already underway to reduce emissions and helping us meet our world-leading climate change targets.”
Mike Harrison, who has been a wheelchair user following a cycling accident 17 years ago, added: “Vehicles on the pavement can be just a nuisance and they can be a severe obstacle. It increases my journey time, I’m often in danger of scratching my hands on a wall, or vegetation sticking out makes it difficult to get past.
“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.”
Michael Tornow is blind and has a guide dog, Pebbles. He also has a hearing impairment and uses hearing aids. He commented: “Pavement parking makes me frustrated. It’s just very tiring trying to navigate around parked cars. And not just for me, but for others – people in wheelchairs, people pushing buggies. It’s just not very considerate.
“As somebody who is completely blind, that’s meant stepping out into the road. That’s obviously quite dangerous, sometimes not being able to hear because of traffic noise.
“I also have to try and work out myself, without being able to see, where I can then step back onto the pavement.
“I hope the new enforcement will make people understand that pavement parking is both unsafe and unfair. Without cars on the pavement it will be easier and safer for me to get around.”
(Picture – Road Safety Scotland)
