Drivers have been warned they risk a £100 penalty for breaking new traffic rules which have come into effect across a major region.
East Ayrshire Council has begun enforcing its pavement parking ban this week, which will see drivers slapped with hefty penalties.
To help drivers adjust to the changes, for the past month the council has issued warnings instead of fines, but from this week, penalties will be in place.
Under the rules, drivers can be fined for parking on pavements, dropped kerbs or double parking throughout the borough.
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Drivers can be fined £100 if caught parking on the pavementGETTYDrivers have been given the option to reduce the amount by half to £50 if they pay the penalty within 14 days.
During the initial enforcement period, over 900 warning notices were given out to vehicles found to be breaching the new regulations.
The new rules come after the introduction of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, which made it easier for local authorities to launch pavement parking bans.
Councillor Jim McMahon said: "The council has a duty to enforce these parking regulations, and we hope that bringing the enforcement into full effect will help to create a safer and more accessible environment for everyone, especially those with sight impairments, mobility issues or anyone pushing buggies or prams."
Scotland banned pavement parking after complaints from pavement users who were forced to go on the roads
PAHe added that the council will continue to monitor the effects of the enforcement to ensure "compliance with the Act and the continued promotion of road safety across East Ayrshire".
"It’s every driver’s responsibility to park their vehicle considerately, and in a way that will not cause an obstruction to the pavement or road," he said.
The need for the ban follows concerns by residents that parking on pavements prevents people from walking safely down streets and around their neighbourhood.
It also limits access to pavements for people with disabilities or those pushing prams or buggies who would be forced to find alternative routes.
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Double parking can also mean more vulnerable pavement users may be forced to go onto the road to get around the vehicles, which could cause more road safety concerns as well as traffic congestion.
While the ban prevents vehicles from parking on the pavement, the council did note there would be some exceptions to the rules.
This includes emergency services and medical practitioners responding to emergencies, accidents, or in the normal course of their duties.
Other exemptions apply to postal service providers who are collecting or delivering goods and need to have their vehicles parked on the pavement.
Scotland introduced new powers for local authorities in 2023 to put in place pavement parking bansGETTYThere are also exemptions for vehicles used in connection with roadworks and the removal of obstructions. But, Blue Badge holders who have typically faced certain parking exemptions will not qualify and will be forced to follow the rules like other motorists.
East Ayrshire is following in the footsteps of similar rules introduced across Scotland, including Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Highlands.
Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop had previously warned that "the message here is clear, pavement parking is unsafe, unfair and illegal, and you could be fined up to £100 for it".
She said: "We’re highlighting the danger that illegal pavement parking poses to pavement users and in particular those with mobility issues or visual impairments, or parents pushing prams and buggies."
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