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Call for a pavement parking ban in Scotland

We did it!

Scotland bans pavement parking

Scotland made history on 10 October 2019 by introducing a nationwide ban on pavement parking.

The ban is the culmination of over a decade of campaigning by Living Streets Scotland and disablity charities - and is thanks to your support.

It means that people in wheelchairs, parents with pushchairs and older adults who are currently forced into oncoming traffic when faced with vehicles blocking their path will now be able to enjoy a new freedom. 

It also stands to offer huge savings to cash-strapped councils currently faced with fixing footways damaged by vehicles parking on them.

News: Scotland becomes first UK nation to ban pavement parking


What next?

We remain concerned that a 20-minute exemption for delivery vehicles has survived the final debate. We will be working with Scottish Government on guidelines to ensure that this ban is implemented effectively - watch this space.

Join us and campaign for pavements

Why Pavement Parking is a problem

  1. Why is it a problem
  2. What are the costs incurred by pavement parking?
  3. Who is responsible for enforcing pavement parking bans?
  4. Is the government going to change the legislation on pavement parking?

  • Pavement parking is a pain for everyone, but it’s particularly an issue for those with mobility problems, parents with pushchairs and older people, who may fear leaving their homes as they feel unsafe. As well as making it difficult for people to use their streets, it can also cause substantial damage to pavements. This costs councils tens of thousands of pounds each year to repair. 

  • Currently these costs are not officially recorded. However, our community street audits often reveal pavements that have been wrecked and the prime suspect is parking by vehicles.

    Worse still, degraded pavements create trip hazards that lead to trips and falls. This puts pressure on the NHS. Clearing pavements, will give many vulnerable people the confidence to walk on their local streets. Reduced inactivity can only benefit the NHS.

    In Scotland, with the progress of the Transport (Scotland) Bill, we are calling on the Scottish Parliament to fund costs of introducing the new laws on a national basis.

  • In most areas your local council or civil enforcement officers contracted on their behalf are responsible for enforcing pavement parking bans.

     

    However, they will only do this where there is a yellow line and signs, which you can request. In some cases, Police Scotland will tackle obstructions but generally won’t take action because existing laws are unclear and its difficult to secure a prosecution. This is why new laws are needed.

  • The Scottish Parliament has agreed that existing  laws in Scotland need to change. It is likely this will start with a consultation in 2016 to inform a draft government bill in 2017.

    Living Streets Scotland will be working with supporters and other charities to make sure the legislation is effective in protecting pedestrians, from footway parking, blocked dropped kerbs and double-parking.

     

     

The story so far

How we have stood up for pedestrians in Scotland.

1974
Footway Parking Banned in London, but rest of the country including Scotland not included in legislation
 
Autumn 2011
Living Streets Scotland and Guide Dogs Scotland forms the Responsible Parking Alliance bring together 20 NGOs to press for change
 
Spring 2012
New responsible parking bill introduced by Joe Fitzpatrick MSP supported by 95% of consultation responses including support for action on double parking
 
Winter 2013
Living Streets and Guide dogs seek legal advice on whether the Scottish Parliament has powers over parking and begin work on a draft bill for Sandra White MSP
 
Spring 2015
Footway and Double Parking Bill Introduced by Sandra White. Presiding Officer confirms lack of powers to pass the bill
 
Winter 2015
Scottish Parliament Local Government Committee takes evidence on the bill, hearing from organisations including Living Streets
 
4th Dec 2015
Scottish Government backs changes in the law and begins work on securing powers
 
20 Janaury 2016
Lord McAvoy tries to amend the Scotland Bill, Scotland Minister Lord Dunlop agrees to come back with changes
 
8th February 2016
Local Committee Government committee backs a change in the law http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/96529.aspx
 
23 Feb 2016
Scotland Bill Amended by House of Lords to finally give the Scottish Parliament Powers over parking
 
1 March 2016
Principles of the Footway Parking Bill unanimously agreed by All MSPs but progress halts as term of parliament ends.

April 2016
SNP and Scottish Green Party manifestos propose a ban on footway parking.
 
May 2016
Majority of MSPs in new Scottish Parliament elected on manifestos that commit to banning footway parking.
 
June 2016
New Transport Minister Humza Yousaf reiterates plans to progress legislation on footway parking.
May 2018
Results from a consultation launched the previous autumn reveal that 83% of respondents support a ban on pavement parking.
June 2018
The Transport (Scotland) Bill is published. It proposes the introduction of a Scotland-wide ban on pavement and double parking to make it easier for local authorities to ensure our pavements and roads safer and more accessible to all.

What's our POLICY?

Pavement Parking

our work in Scotland

Living Streets Scotland