Major parking law changes to be introduced in weeks could see drivers hit with huge fines

Pavement parking has long been a headache for drivers trying to skirt around the law and pedestrians being blocked from walking.

Under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, there will be a ban on pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs.

WATCH NOW: Danny Kelly reacts to extortionate parking fines

There will be certain exemptions designated by local authorities, such as to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles.

Drivers could be hit with a £100 fine for those parking offences, with the penalty charge being halved if paid within 14 days.

As part of the new laws, Transport Scotland has launched a public information campaign to get people to understand the new rules.

This will include radio, outdoor and social media advertising, with drivers being informed of the dangers of pavement parking.

Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Transport, said: "The message here is clear: pavement parking is unsafe, unfair and illegal, and you could be fined up to £100 for it.

“Local authorities can begin to issue fines from December 11, so this campaign is really important to make sure everyone in Scotland is aware that enforcement is coming.

“This change in legislation is a step towards developing communities that are better able to support active travel, building on the work that is already underway to reduce emissions and helping us meet our world-leading climate change targets.”

Scotland will become the first of the four nations to make pavement parking illegal nationwide, although there have been calls for other Governments to push through new rules.

Edinburgh Council unveiled plans to ban pavement parking earlier this year, with the council calling it a “persistent issue” on more than 500 streets around the Scottish capital.

Many charities have praised the law changes, saying it will massively benefit those with sight problems, as well as those with wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Councillor Linda Taylor, representative for the Local Government Association, recently spoke to MPs in the Transport Committee about the issue of people parking on pavements.

She called on the Government to empower all councils across the UK to fine drivers for parking on pavements.

Taylor added: “My understanding of what happens in London is that if there’s pavement parking in particular, you can be issued with a fixed penalty.

“The local authorities outside of London could have that ability, but they have to train up specific officers to deal with it.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Major new fuel could see drivers save hundreds of pounds a year on petrol and diesel prices
  
• New motoring plans will make Britain a 'world leader' with electric vehicle battery goals
  
• Brexit Britain wins again as Nissan performs major U-turn with £2billion investment after EU fears
  

“Whereas if it was a default position, it would make accessibility so easy to implement, across the whole of the UK."