Drivers warned of new £100 penalty rules coming in next week impacting thousands

The new regulations, which aim to improve pedestrian safety, will affect thousands of drivers across nearly 2,000 urban roads that have been surveyed in preparation for the changes.

Local authorities are currently issuing warning notices to motorists ahead of the enforcement date, with some residents already reporting finding official notices on their vehicles.

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The council has confirmed there will be no exemptions to allow pavement parking within Perth and Kinross, though some specific exceptions exist under the law.

The new rules specifically prohibit three types of parking: on pavements, double parking, and parking across dropped kerbs that assist pedestrians or cyclists crossing.

The legislation aims to protect vulnerable pedestrians, particularly those with mobility issues, visual impairments, and parents or carers with pushchairs.

Council officials have emphasised that footways are not designed to bear the weight of vehicles, and persistent parking is likely to cause expensive damage.

The measures are being introduced to prevent hazardous situations where people are forced to walk unsafely around their neighbourhoods.

Double parking has been highlighted as particularly dangerous for vulnerable people trying to cross roads safely.

The council has also noted that vehicles parked next to dropped kerbs create significant obstacles for wheelchair users attempting to cross streets.

Motorists caught violating the new rules will face a penalty of £100, although this will be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

But residents in Inchture village recently expressed concern after finding what appeared to be penalty notices on their vehicles, only to discover these were warning notices.

Carse of Gowrie councillor Angus Forbes clarified: "This is a warning notice issued as part of the settling in process to get people used to the fact this is coming. This is not a fine."

Emergency services vehicles, including police, ambulance, fire and rescue, coastguard, and military vehicles are exempt when performing their duties.

Vehicles involved in roadworks, waste collection, postal services, or removing traffic obstructions also qualify for exemptions.

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Medical practitioners, nurses, and midwives providing urgent or emergency healthcare are permitted to park on pavements when necessary.

However, all exempted vehicles must leave a 1.5-metre gap between their vehicle and the edge of the footway furthest from the road.