Drivers have been warned of new parking enforcements which begin today across a major region with rule breakers at risk of £100 penalties.
The new rules have been launched by North Lanarkshire Council which began enforcing its new pavement parking laws today targeting vehicles illegally parked on pavements.
Under the new measures, motorists caught breaking the rules will face a £100 penalty, although this can be reduced to £50 if paid within14 days.
The measures form part of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, which makes it illegal to park on pavements in Scotland.
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Drivers can be fined £100 if caught parking on the pavement under the new rulesGETTYParking attendants will now issue Fixed Penalty Notices to vehicles found in violation, with priority given to town centres and areas with high pedestrian footfall.
However, the council has been preparing residents for the change since January by issuing warning notices on illegally parked vehicles.
Officials detailed how the enforcement aims to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility throughout North Lanarkshire's communities. The new rules apply to all drivers, including taxi drivers, with no exemptions for Blue Badge holders.
The new law specifically prohibits three types of parking, on pavements, double parking, and at dropped kerbs designed for pedestrians to cross roads safely. However, the law does not apply to dropped kerbs at private driveways, which residents can continue to use as before.
Double parking refers to parking alongside another parked vehicle, which can create dangerous road conditions and congestion.
Parking at pedestrian crossing points with dropped kerbs is now illegal as it prevents safe road crossing, particularly for wheelchair users.
The legislation also prohibits parking on road verges that lie between roads and pavements. Parking attendants can issue tickets immediately upon witnessing violations, with no required observation period.
Councillor Helen Loughran said: "The law aims to make our roads safer for pedestrians by avoiding having to step into the road to walk around parked cars."
Only limited exceptions exist, including emergency services vehicles responding to emergencies and certain delivery vehicles, provided they leave 1.5m of footway width for pedestrians.
The new rules aim to make roads safer for pedestrians who previously had to step into traffic to navigate around parked vehicles.
This is particularly important for vulnerable pedestrians, including those with visual impairments who may struggle to safely navigate around obstacles. Families with children and buggies will also benefit, as they often face difficulties when forced onto the road by pavement-parked cars.
Wheelchair users are another group set to gain from the enforcement, as parked vehicles can make pavements impassable for them.
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GETTYLoughran added: "This is a particular issue for people with a visual impairment, families with children and buggies and wheelchair users. It is vital we take this action to prevent accidents in our communities and keep pedestrians safe."
