Eighty-one Penalty Charge Notices issued for pavement parking in first week of enforcement

Enforcing the ban is part of a drive improve pedestrian safety and prevent damage to pavements.

Pavement parking, double parking and parking across dropped kerbs is prohibited under The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.

Local authorities can enforce the ban and issue fines of £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days, through PCNs.

More than 850 warning notices were issued to motorists in Perth and Kinross before enforcement of the Pavement Parking ban started.

Councillor Eric Drysdale, convener of Perth and Kinross Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: "Pavement parking is a real hazard for people with disabilities or those pushing prams or buggies.

"Enforcing the ban makes it easier for these people and reduces damage to our pavements.

"This is all about getting people to park responsibly and I am pleased it already seems to be having an effect - we issued 20 PCNs on the first day but just 81 over the course of the whole week."

Councillor Drysdale added: "Our Parking attendants have had a really positive response from residents in area where pavement parking is a particular problem."

The Council will keep the situation under review and if there are specific streets where enforcement brings no actual benefit to pedestrians then some exemptions to the Pavement Parking ban may be introduced.

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).

And are conditional upon:

• The purpose or function would be hindered if the vehicle were no parked on the pavement.
• No part of the vehicle should be within 1.5 metres of the edge of the pavement furthest from the carriageway.
• The vehicles I parked for no longer than is necessary (up to 20 minutes in the case of vehicles making a delivery).
• In each case drivers may only park on the pavement if there is no alternative and they must leave a 1.5m gap between their vehicle and the edge of the footway furthest from the carriageway.

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.