The Scottish government has announced a new ban on pavement parking, double parking and parking on dropped kerbs to crack down on illegal stopping. Motorists could be hit with a £100 fine if they park on pavement, or £50 if they pay within two weeks.
The plans have been supported by road safety organisations and accessibility charities like Living Streets and Guide Dogs.
Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop said the new changes would allow communities to have more active travel options like walking.
This comes as it was revealed that London councils made nearly £8.5 billion this year from fining drivers who parked on pavement.
By law, any profit made from parking penalties must be reinvested to fund off-street parking, public transport and other schemes.
Kevin Lafferty, CEO of national walking charity Paths for All, spoke highly of the new pavement parking ban and how it will benefit 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.”
But he also noted that these new laws show the every day accessibility issues for those using paths.
