Drivers in Scotland are being warned of new parking law changes set to be introduced before the end of the month which could lead to hefty fines.
Nationwide legislation was introduced across Scotland in December last year meaning that councils have the power to enforce incorrect parking.
This includes people parking on pavements, double parking, parking at crossing points and parking on verges which lie between roads and pavements.
The new rules were rolled out on December 11, 2023, with a national parking campaign being launched to make drivers aware of the law changes.
The new rules will be enforced from January 29
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Motorists in the Scottish capital are being issued a fresh warning with Edinburgh Council set to begin enforcing these rules from Monday, January 29.
The pavement parking rules have been rolled out following calls from road safety organisations and charities in recent years.
When a vehicle is parked on the pavement, or double parked, it can prevent people from walking down streets and around their neighbourhood safely.
It can also be particularly hazardous for people with disabilities and families using prams or buggies.
Parking attendants will have the power to issue penalty charge notices to vehicles parked on the pavements, some verges, at crossing points, or those that are double parked.
The parking ticket will be issued at the national level of £100, although this will be reduced to £50 if it is paid within the first 14 days.
It will follow a similar process to existing parking tickets currently issued across the Scottish capital.
Edinburgh Council has written to some residents in areas that are particularly likely to see pavement parking on their streets.
This will be done to make them aware of the changes and warn any drivers who currently park on the pavement to change their habits and find alternative places to stop.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Implementing these new parking restrictions is part of our commitment to ensure Edinburgh’s roads and pavements are accessible for all.
“Making sure our footways are kept clear will deliver real benefits for pedestrians and road users, particularly those who are disproportionately affected such as parents with pushchairs, older people and wheelchair users.
“We would expect everyone to adhere to the new prohibitions when the final regulations come into force to guarantee our streets are safer and more user-friendly.”
Stuart Hay, Director of Living Streets Scotland, added that exemptions should only be applied in “exceptional cases”.
He added that this would be based on evidence that can be collected via monitoring and consultation.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Some drivers have taken matters into their own hands to prevent pavement parking
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There have been calls to evaluate exemptions carefully to ensure emergency vehicles can safely travel through while delivery vans don’t take advantage of the rules.
