Enforcement of national pavement parking ban to start in January

Enforcing the ban is part of an effort to improve pedestrian safety and prevent damage to pavements.

The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 prohibits pavement parking, double parking, and parking across dropped kerbs.

A national campaign has been underway to raise awareness of these new regulations. The law aims to improve the safety of pedestrians, particularly those with mobility issues, visual impairments, and parents or carers with pushchairs.

Additionally, pavements are not designed to bear the weight of vehicles, and persistent parking can cause significant damage.

Local authorities now have the power to enforce this law and issue fines through Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) of £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

Perth and Kinross Council will begin enforcing these new rules on January 6, 2025. The Council has been issuing advisory notices to motorists in advance of enforcement starting.

Councillor Eric Drysdale, convener of Perth and Kinross Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: "Vehicles parked on pavements can cause real difficulties for people, particularly if they have disabilities or are pushing prams or buggies.

"It's not uncommon for people in these circumstances to have to go out onto the road just to get by.

"We have been advising motorists about enforcement starting for several months so we hope most motorists will be aware and will remember to park safely and responsibly.

Councillor Drysdale added: "We have reviewed all the streets in Perth and Kinross and will be targeting enforcement in areas where we know pavement parking is a real problem.

"However, we will be keeping the situation under constant review and if there are specific streets where enforcement brings no actual benefit to pedestrians then we may introduce some exemptions."

Certain exceptions to the ban are permitted under the Act. These 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 minutes).

Incorrect parking on footways, double parking, and parking at dropped crossings can be reported using the My PKC service.

While every report will be reviewed, the Council may not always be able to attend every street where incorrect parking is reported.