Planning on parking up somewhere in Scotland to do some Christmas shopping this festive season? Beware: there’s a new rule banning parking on pavements.
Motorists will be slapped with a £100 fine for parking or double-parking on pavements and dropped kerbs across all of Scotland. Under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, it is now illegal to park on the pavement, regardless of whether you’ve left enough space for pavement users or will only be parking up for a short amount of time. If the fine is paid within 14 days, the penalty can be reduced to £50.
Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish Government minister for transport said: ‘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.’
The ban has been widely supported by disability campaigners and wheelchair users. Wheelchair user Mike Harrison said: ‘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.’
While the ban started on Monday (December 11), there are exemptions. Medical professionals have been given the green light to park on pavements and local authorities will also designate and mark certain areas where parking on the pavement is permitted.
Law and order with Time Out
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