Scotland has officially implemented the ban on pavement parking, making it the first UK nation to do so. This move aims to enhance pedestrian safety by discouraging obstructive parking that puts individuals at risk.
As of December 11, drivers in Scotland face the possibility of a £100 fine for parking on the pavement, marking the enforcement of legislation that received Royal Assent in 2019. The ban empowers councils to penalise offenders who jeopardise pedestrian safety.
However, not all councils are set to immediately enforce the ban, as some lack the necessary 'decriminalised parking enforcement' (DPE) infrastructure. The Scottish Government, in its commitment to addressing the impact of obstructive parking, introduced the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, prohibiting pavement parking, double parking, and parking at dropped kerbs. Local authorities are granted the authority to enforce these regulations.
Edinburgh is poised to be the first council to implement the ban, with enforcement scheduled to commence in January 2024. Other councils across Scotland are expected to follow suit, with various regions aiming to begin enforcement in 2024, though specific dates vary.
Some councils are still in the process of reviewing their powers or conducting surveys before establishing an enforcement timeline. Notably, Aberdeen City and Angus plan to start in early 2024, while Glasgow will decide its approach in May.
It's essential for residents to check their respective council areas to determine when the pavement parking ban will be enforced, as detailed by the Scottish Daily Express. The fine for violating the ban is £100, with a reduced rate of £50 if paid within 14 days. The emphasis is on raising awareness about the dangers of illegal pavement parking, particularly for individuals with mobility challenges, visual impairments, or parents with prams and buggies.
Full List By Council:
Aberdeen City: Aiming to commence in early 2024.
Aberdeenshire: Council has made a few exemptions, focusing on educating motorists initially rather than issuing fines.
Angus: Scheduled to begin early next year.
Argyll and Bute: There is no clarity on whether the ban will be enforced.
Clackmannanshire: Currently reviewing powers; plans to decide the next steps in the New Year.
CNESiar: Lacks powers to enforce the pavement parking ban.
Dumfries and Galloway: Insufficient powers to enforce the parking ban.
Dundee: Introducing the ban in stages from 2024, with exempt roads already identified.
Edinburgh: Ban set to come into force in January 2024.
East Ayrshire: Proposal going to cabinet next month.
East Dunbartonshire: No definitive date, but it is expected to begin midway through 2024.
East Lothian: Survey work is not expected to be completed before the end of 2024.
East Renfrewshire: Considering implications of new regulations.
Falkirk: Assessing all A & B roads for scheme eligibility.
Fife: Ban won't be enforced until exemption routes are agreed upon.
Glasgow: Meeting in May to decide the approach.
Highland: Planning to start enforcing the ban in early 2024 with a 'grace period' beforehand.
Inverclyde: Unable to specify when the ban will be enforced.
Midlothian: Ban not expected to be introduced before the 2024/2025 financial year.
Moray: Currently exploring exemptions.
North Ayrshire: Expects to implement enforcement next year.
North Lanarkshire: Earliest enforcement anticipated in Spring 2024.
Orkney: Lacks the power to enforce the ban.
Perth and Kinross: Not taking action until 'well into 2024.'
Renfrewshire: Enforcement is expected to begin in 2024.
Scottish Borders: No implementation plans yet.
Shetland: Lacks sufficient power to enforce the ban.
South Ayrshire: Decision to be made in the New Year to facilitate street surveys.
South Lanarkshire: Enforcement contingent on 'resources available.'
Stirling: Preparing to introduce the ban in the early months of 2024.
West Dunbartonshire: Unable to specify when the ban will begin.
West Lothian: Lacks DPE powers to enforce the ban.