Drivers who park on a pavement in North Lanarkshire may soon face a fine of up to £100.
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 makes it illegal to park on the pavement in Scotland, as well as double parking and at dropped kerbs designed to allow pedestrians to cross the road safely. The law does not apply to dropped kerbs at private driveways.
North Lanarkshire Council is making preparations to begin enforcement of this law in early 2025.
To inform drivers ahead of enforcement starting, parking attendants will place warning notices on vehicles parked illegally.
“Pavement parking puts pedestrians in danger, particularly wheelchair users, people with a visual impairment and families with children and buggies,” said Councillor Helen Loughran, Convener of the council’s Environment and Climate Change Committee.
“If the pavement is blocked by a parked car, people may have to step into the road to walk around it which puts lives at risk. Dropped kerbs give access for wheelchairs and buggies to cross the road safely, so if cars park over them it creates an unnecessary hazard.”
When enforcement begins, the fine for parking illegally will be £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
The plans have been supported by road safety organisations and accessibility charities like Living Streets and Guide Dogs.
Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop said the new changes would allow communities to have more active travel options like walking.
Kevin Lafferty, CEO of national walking charity Paths for All, spoke highly of the new pavement parking ban and how it will benefit walkers, cyclists and those using wheelchairs.
He said: “No longer will vehicles obstructing pavements and dropped kerbs be a barrier for people trying to safely navigate through their neighbourhoods.
“Speaking as CEO of Paths for All, I hear from countless community members across the country who feel restricted by pavement parking in their daily lives.
“Parents unable to push prams, wheelchair users forced into roads, and people with sight loss unable to access paths.”
More information is available at www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/parking-rules.
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