Call for a pavement parking ban in Scotland

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.