Experts have praised new driving laws introduced earlier this month which look to deal with the scourge of motorists parking illegally, calling it a “major milestone”.
On December 11, the Scottish Government unveiled a ban on vehicles parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs to crack down on drivers stopping illegally.
The amendments made to the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 could see motorists hit with a £100 fine if they park on the pavement, or £50 if they pay the fine within 14 days.
Plans to restrict drivers from parking on pavements has consistently been supported by road safety organisations and accessibility charities like Living Streets and Guide Dogs.
Drivers in Scotland could now be slapped with a fine for parking on the pavement
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Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop said the new changes would support communities adapt to active travel options like walking.
Kevin Lafferty, CEO of Paths for All, Scotland’s national walking charity, spoke highly of the new pavement parking ban and how it will have a huge benefit for walkers, cyclists and those using wheelchairs.
He said: “No longer will vehicles obstructing pavements and dropped kerbs be a barrier for people trying to safely navigate through their neighbourhoods.
“Speaking as CEO of Paths for All, I hear from countless community members across the country who feel restricted by pavement parking in their daily lives.
“Parents unable to push prams, wheelchair users forced into roads, and people with sight loss unable to access paths.”
However, the expert pointed out how the new laws outline the existing accessibility issues that are present for those walking and wheeling every day.
Paths for All ran a national survey which found that roadside pavements were the most frequently walked urban location within Scotland (61 per cent).
A further 46 per cent of the population said parked cars were a common issue they encountered when walking or wheeling locally.
Kevin Lafferty added: “Our charity’s goal focuses on getting the people of Scotland moving, regardless of age or ability. We believe movement and activity should be open to everyone and this decision will help make that vision a reality, marking a significant leap forward in the right direction.
“There’s still more work to do, but we’re celebrating a major milestone in making communities around Scotland more accessible for all.”
This comes as new data has found that London councils made nearly £8.5million in the 12 months up to November from fining drivers who were parked on pavements.
A Freedom of Information request revealed that 22 London councils generated £8.44million from Penalty Charge Notices for pavement parking.
More than 167,000 PCNs were issued, although only 111,495 were paid, meaning almost a third of drivers were avoiding paying their parking fine.
By law, any profit made from parking penalties must be reinvested to fund off-street parking, public transport and other schemes which further the Mayor of London’s transport strategy.
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London councils raised almost £8.5million from pavement parking fines
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The London Borough of Newham was found to be a hotspot for pavement parking infractions, with more than 21,000 PCNs issued with 45 per cent not being paid. Despite this, a staggering £936,000 was raised.