EDINBURGH has announced the date when the local authority will begin to enforce a ban on parking on pavements, becoming the first city in Scotland to implement the new legislation.
The local authority has announced drivers will face a fine of up to £100 for parking vehicles on pavements, as well as at dropped kerbs and for double parking from January 29.
In December, Scotland became the first country in the UK to introduce a ban on pavement parking.
Local authorities were given new powers to stop vehicles from parking on pavements by the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.
Some councils were planning on clamping down on the practice in the coming weeks, others were still carrying out assessments of the legislation while in other areas it will not be implemented at all.
After assessing 5000 roads in the city, Edinburgh City Council has written to residents in a small number of streets to help them prepare for the measures.
Edinburgh council’s transport convener, Scott Arthur, said: “These new rules are about making our streets safer and more accessible for everyone, in particular those with visual impairments or mobility issues.
“I’ve heard from many people who say the change will make their day-to-day life much easier.
“I have also been pleased to hear that, as a result of our publicity campaign, pavement parking is already reducing in some areas.”
He added: “I am proud that Edinburgh is leading the way on enforcing the ban, and that all political parties here agree that no street should be exempt.
“I would expect everyone to adhere to the new prohibitions once in place, but we’ll continue to monitor streets across the city to make sure the impacts on the wider network are minimal.”
The rules are designed to protect pavement users – especially those on wheelchairs or pushing buggies – who may be forced onto the road by vehicles taking up space on the pavement.
Anyone found to be parked on a pavement, double parked, parked at a crossing point or parked on a verge between roads and pavements could be subject to a £100 fine, reduced to £50 if paid within the first 14 days.
