Full enforcement of East Ayrshire pavement parking legislation to begin soon

From Monday 7 July, East Ayrshire Council will begin enforcement of the pavement parking legislation which will mean that anyone parking on pavements, dropped kerbs or double parking will be issued with an instant parking ticket of £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

Enforcement of pavement parking has been phased in over the last month with over 900 warning notices given out in relation to vehicles found to be breaching the new legislative regulations.

The enforcement comes from the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 which introduced a national ban on these forms of parking to make it easier for local authorities to ensure that pavements and roads are safer and more accessible to all.

Parking on pavements prevents people from walking safely down streets and around their neighbourhood as well as preventing access to pavements for people with disabilities or those pushing prams or buggies. Double parking makes it more dangerous for vulnerable people or people pushing buggies or prams to cross the road safely as well as causing traffic congestion.

There are some exceptions in the legislation for pavement parking such as emergency services and medical practitioners responding to emergencies, accidents or in the normal course of their duties. Further exemptions apply to postal service providers who are collecting or delivering goods and can’t do this without their vehicle being parked on a pavement. There are also exemptions for vehicles used in connection with roadworks and the removal of obstructions.

Councillor Jim McMahon, Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing, Transport and Communities, said:

“The Council has a duty to enforce these parking regulations and we hope that bringing the enforcement into full effect will help to create a safer and more accessible environment for everyone, especially those with sight impairments, mobility issues or anyone pushing buggies or prams.

“It’s every driver’s responsibility to park their vehicle considerately, and in a way that will not cause an obstruction to the pavement or road.

“We will continually monitor the effects of the enforcement to ensure compliance with the Act and the continued promotion of road safety across East Ayrshire.”

For more information, visit: https://www.ayrshireroadsalliance.org/Parking-Information/Pavement-parking.aspx