Implementation of Glasgow’s pavement parking prohibition is slated to take effect on 29 January, with motorists facing a £100 penalty for violations.
Scotland’s most significant local council aims to utilize these new powers to safeguard pedestrians, comprising individuals with mobility challenges, the elderly, and those using strollers, who might be pushed onto the road due to unsuitable parking.
The parking regulations will also encompass stricter measures against double parking and stopping at dropped kerbs.
Initially, warning notices will be distributed as drivers adapt to the new regulations, and all penalties will be halved to £50 if settled within 14 days.
Councillor Angus Millar, the city’s transport convenor, remarked: “Pavement parking, double parking, and parking at dropped kerbs present road safety threats throughout Glasgow and endanger vulnerable pedestrians and wheelchair users daily.”
“Individuals with mobility difficulties or visual impairments, as well as those transporting buggies or prams, frequently encounter challenges navigating their neighborhoods due to pavement parking.
“Compelling individuals to walk on the road in direct opposition to traffic is intolerable, and enforcing the new regulations will enhance safety for all road users.”
“Double parking and stopping at dropped kerbs also lead to considerable complications on city streets not only for pedestrians but for drivers as well, who will find roads obstructed and may have difficulty maneuvering safely.”
Glasgow City Council has developed an interactive map indicating locations where no exemptions apply and further evaluations are necessary. Pic: Glasgow City Council
In 2021, the Scottish government enacted legislation granting local councils the authority to ban pavement parking.
This legislation received government endorsement in December 2023.
Edinburgh became the first city in Scotland to implement a ban on pavement parking in January 2024, followed by Highland Council the next month.
London has enforced a similar ban since 1974.
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In Glasgow, there will be no exemptions on roadways where parking regulations are already established or where the street width is a minimum of 7.5m, ensuring safe access for fire engines with vehicles parked on both sides of the street.
The prevailing laws on pavement parking include exceptions for emergency service vehicles, waste collection operations, postal deliveries, urgent medical assistance deliveries, responding to accidents or breakdowns, and goods delivery or collection for a duration of up to 20 minutes.
Remaining streets will undergo evaluation to determine if alternative parking strategies are viable before a potential exemption is assessed.
Glasgow City Council has introduced an interactive map to showcase areas where no exemptions exist and where further evaluations are anticipated.
Councillor Millar further stated: “While certain streets may be evaluated for exemptions or additional parking restrictions prior to the enforcement of pavement parking, most streets in the city have already been identified as requiring no exemptions, and enforcement on these streets will commence this month.”
“Motorists should consult the council’s website for the current status of their road.”
