Local authorities have called on drivers to avoid parking on the pavement or they could be hit with hefty fines under new driving law changes.
From April, motorists near the Scottish capital will face more scrutiny and harsher punishment when parking on pavements.
The £100 penalty came into effect on Monday, April 1, with offenders able to reduce the fee to £50 if paid within the first 14 days.
The stricter rules by Midlothian Council follow neighbouring authorities Edinburgh City Council and Dundee City Council which introduced a ban after the legislation came into force in December 2023.
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Midlothian Council is the latest to roll out pavement parking fines
GETTYThe measures were introduced to make it easier for pedestrians and people with mobility issues to safely use streets in the county.
Midlothian Councillor Dianne Alexander said: “Every motorist needs to take heed and park considerately so as not to obstruct roads and pavements. Our pavements are for pedestrians, not cars.
“If you cannot find a parking space other than by parking on a pavement, dropped kerb or double parking, the message is clear – park elsewhere or face a fine.”
The council detailed how well-known it is that “inconsiderate and obstructive parking” on pavements, footways, dropped kerbs and double parking causes inconvenience and accessibility issues.
The new enforcement prevents vehicles from parking on the pavement, double yellow lines and dropped kerbs to help keep the streets clearer.
The parking measures on top of the Low Emission Zone in Edinburgh will crack down on the number of highly polluting vehicles in the region.
Drivers were invited to ask the council about the new parking measures, namely what should happen in the event that a vehicle parks on the road and blocks traffic because they cannot use the pavement.
The council explained how in most cases, parking with all four wheels of your vehicle on the road carriageway should not block the road to other traffic.
If that is the case, it would be advisable to park elsewhere because it is an offence to block traffic and Police Scotland may take action.
It is recognised that more vehicles on the carriageway may serve to reduce overall traffic speed in some streets, the authority detailed.
Another question raised stated: “My pavement is wide with room for both cars and pedestrians – why can’t I park there?”
In response, Midlothian Council described how the guidance with the new legislation explains that exemptions should only be given in certain circumstances and pedestrians should be prioritised.
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The fine is halved when paid within 14 days of it being issued
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If there is sufficient space on the carriageway for drivers to park, and still allow vehicles to pass, it is not appropriate to allow an exemption.
Most pavements have not been designed to take the weight of vehicles and can be damaged by persistent pavement parking, the authority added.