The Scottish government has announced a plan to ban pavement parking in Scotland, coming into effect next month.
Edinburgh will become the first city in Scotland to enforce these laws, starting January 2024.
Drivers who mount the kerb will be fined £100. Fines will also apply for parking at dropped kerbs or double parking. The only exception will be for emergency services.
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Currently, London is the only UK city to ban pavement parking.
Scotland first announced plans to introduce a ban in 2019. According to the Scottish government, the ban aims to target “inconsiderate and obstructive parking.”
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Pavement parking can create accessibility issues for the elderly and disabled.
A survey carried out by the Council suggested that 68 per cent of residents support the new plans. The ban is also supported by Guide Dogs Scotland and Living Streets.
Edinburgh City Council has also been considering a ban on SUVs, citing environmental effects and safety concerns.
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These measures follow Sunak’s denunciation of “the war on motorists,” his term for the introduction of tighter regulations on driving. According to Sunak, restricting freedom of drivers: “doesn’t reflect the values of Britain.”
His pro-car stance contrasts with that of many other national leaders, who are largely seeking to promote public transport and environmentally-friendly travel.
In a poll carried out by the Express, 74 per cent of voters supported a fine for pavement parking.
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Image: “Cars parked on Alanbrooke Avenue pavements, Malpas, Newport – geograph.org.uk – 4428904” by Jaggery is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
