Residents of a Perthshire village have expressed surprise on finding what appeared to be penalties for pavement parking weeks before fines come into force.
Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) announced at the end of October that it will introduce its pavement parking ban on Monday January 6 under The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.
Inchture villagers however hit outlast week over official PKC headed paper, placed on their vehicles, stating prominently: “Perth and Kinross Council Penalty Charge Notice.” One motorist said on social media: “My daughter and I have just noticed tickets on our cars because we were parked on the pavement. We live in a cul-de-sac and can’t believe the council is doing this in this village.”
It emerged however that the ‘tickets’ were warnings rather than fines. The legislation prohibits pavement parking, double parking, and parking across dropped kerbs to improve pedestrian safety, particularly for those with mobility issues, visual impairments, and parents or carers with pushchairs.
Announcing January 6 as the date for implementation, PKC said it was reviewing around 2000 streets in the region to focus efforts on areas where it is a particular problem for residents. PKC economy and infrastructure committee convener councillor Eric Drysdale had emphasised the hazards caused by pavement parking.
He added: “Our hope is that people will be aware of the new rules and will park appropriately and safely so there is little need to issue fines”. Last week Carse of Gowrie councillor Angus Forbes pointed out in response to the social media complaints: “I have had the council staff look into this today, the original post does not tell the full story.
“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, it’s simply a warning notice.” And fellow Carse of Gowrie councillor Alasdair Bailey highlighted a PKC link online which states: “Local Authorities now have the power to enforce this law and issue fines by way of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £100.
The site states fines are reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days, and adds: “We intend to begin enforcing these new rules in Perth and Kinross on Monday 6 January 2025, and enforcement officers will begin issuing PCNs from that date. The Council’s enforcement officers will be issuing advisory notices before then where vehicles are parked in contravention of the new legislation.”
A PKC spokesperson this week pointed to the January 6 enforcement, adding: “We are issuing advisory notices to motorists about fines being introduced in Perth and Kinross.” The photo on this social media post has been cropped to make it appear a fine has been issued rather than a warning.”
Exceptions to the ban permitted under the Act include:
- Police, ambulance, Scottish Fire and Rescue Services, HM Coastguard, or naval or air force purposes.
- Roadworks, removal of traffic obstructions, waste collection by local authorities, or postal services.
- Urgent or emergency health care by registered medical practitioners, nurses, or midwives.
- Assistance at an accident or breakdown.
- Delivering or collecting goods, provided the vehicle is parked for no longer than necessary (up to 20 mins).
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