Nearly 10,000 drivers have been fined for pavement parking in Edinburgh since the city introduced Scotland's first full ban two years ago.
The City of Edinburgh Council revealed that 9,467 Penalty Charge Notices have been issued to drivers since enforcement began on January 29, 2024.
The rules ban parking on pavements, dropping kerbs and double parking. Edinburgh remains one of only two cities in the UK, along with London, where pavement parking is currently prohibited across the whole city.
Council leaders explained how the crackdown has made streets safer, particularly for pedestrians with disabilities, parents with prams and people with sight loss.
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The ban was introduced to stop pavements being blocked by cars, forcing pedestrians into the road.
Under the rules, drivers can be issued a £100 penalty for pavement parking, although this can be reduced to £50 if paid within the first 14 days.
Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener, said: "Since we first introduced these changes two years ago, we've seen drivers changing their parking habits accordingly, with the problem of pavement parking disappearing in many streets across Edinburgh.
"We brought the ban in to provide a safe and accessible environment for everyone, especially those with sight impairments, mobility issues or pushing buggies."
Drivers can be fined for parking on the pavement, with the hopethat new laws will make it illegal across England
| GETTYIn 2024, 5,098 PCNs were issued for pavement parking, before falling to 4,369 in 2025, a reduction of more than 700.
Council leaders explained how this showed drivers have been adapting to the rules rather than continuing to flout them.
Councillor Jenkinson explained that while ultimately the council would "want to see zero fines, the overall gradual decreasing trend shows we're headed in the right direction".
In addition to pavement parking penalties, 3,497 fines have been issued for parking at dropped kerbs, and 4,165 for double parking over the same period.
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The council began enforcing pavement parking in January 2024
| PANiall Foley, external affairs manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, said people with sight loss feel safer as a result of the enforcement.
He said: "People with sight loss tell us they can now get out and about in the capital more safely, without the fear of being forced onto the road by inconsiderate parking. We're pleased to be celebrating two years of boosting the independence and safety of all pedestrians."
Meanwhile, walking charity Living Streets Edinburgh also praised the council's approach, particularly its decision not to exempt individual streets from the ban.
Group convener David Hunter explained how the parking rules have been "the most significant change to make Edinburgh a safer and more attractive city for pedestrians since the introduction of widespread 20mph speed limits".
Pavement parking is currently only illegal in London and across Scotland | GETTYLabour's launch of the Road Safety Strategy could expand the ban beyond Scotland, with proposals set out that would give powers to local authorities to enforce pavement parking.
The move is currently under review, with hopes that pavement parking could become illegal throughout England and Wales.
Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: "Clear pavements are essential for people to move around safely and independently, whether that’s a parent with a pushchair, someone using a wheelchair, or a blind or partially sighted person.
"That’s why we’re giving local authorities the power to crack down on problem pavement parking, allowing more people to travel easily and safely and get to where they need to go."