Edinburgh has become the first Scottish City to implement a pavement parking ban, which commenced on 29 January. This measure aims to prevent vehicles from obstructing pavements, ensuring safer and more accessible streets for pedestrians.

Under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, local councils have been granted the authority to introduce various parking prohibitions, including bans on pavement parking, parking at dropped kerbs, known crossing places, and double parking.

During the government consultation, our members and Access Panels were unanimous in their support for introducing a ban on pavement parking. Vehicles parked on the pavements force people onto the road. This is dangerous for everyone but is a particular problem for blind and partially sighted people.

Parking attendants in Edinburgh now have the power to issue penalty charge notices to vehicles parked incorrectly. Members of the public can also report such instances online, with each report reviewed by the council. Drivers found in violation of these parking regulations will be subject to a £100 fine, with the option to reduce it to £50 if paid within 14 days.

Other council areas in Scotland are expected to introduce the ban throughout 2024.

More information about the pavement parking ban can be found at: www.roadsafety.scot