Scotland becomes first UK nation to ban pavement parking
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The Scottish Parliament has today passed a bill to implement a nationwide footway parking ban.
Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity for everyday walking, has campaigned for a Scotland-wide ban on pavement parking.
Stuart Hay, director of the charity, said: “This is the first nationwide ban put in place in the UK and represents the culmination of over a decade of campaigning by Living Streets Scotland and disability charities.
"People in wheelchairs, parents with pushchairs and older adults who are currently forced into oncoming traffic when faced with vehicles blocking their path will now be able to enjoy a new freedom. It also stands to offer huge savings to cash-strapped councils currently charged with fixing footways damaged by vehicles parking on them.
“Practical plans and resources, including the proposed national publicity campaign, should now be put in place to ensure the bill is enacted efficiently. England and Wales should look to take a lead from today’s monumental decision.”
There is a 20-minute exemption for delivery vehicles.
Mr Hay said: “This clause undermines the goals of preventing obstruction and pavement damage, while the enforcement of a waiting time is incredibly impractical.
“The government should now ensure that supporting guidance and regulations on this exception makes enforcement a simple and practical matter. Parking for loading must be simple to regulate or enforce if councils are to engage with the problem.
“We will work with the Scottish Government as it finalises its guidance, and with local authorities, disability groups and communities to ensure the ban is implemented effectively.”
What do you think? Where are the pavement parking hot spots? Email newsdesk@spp-group.com
