PREPARATIONS are underway to begin enforcement against pavement parking in Edinburgh.
The move by the City of Edinburgh Council follows the introduction of new powers by the Scottish Government on pavement parking.
National regulations are expected to come into force on December 11 and it is proposed that Edinburgh’s enforcement begins in January 2024.
Parking on pavements, at dropped kerbs, and double parking can inconvenience all road users, whilst also ‘significantly’ impacting people with mobility issues, parents with pushchairs, and older people, the council explained.
The local authority added that it has always supported a ban on pavement parking and has collaborated closely with Living Streets and Guide Dogs Scotland to lobby for the introduction of controls in Scotland. The capital’s roads and footways being accessible for all is central to its vision in its city mobility plan.
City of Edinburgh Council transport and environment convener, councillor Scott Arthur, said, “Implementing these new parking restrictions is part of our commitment to ensure Edinburgh’s roads and pavements are accessible for all. Making sure our footways are kept clear will deliver real benefits for pedestrians and road users, particularly those who are disproportionately affected such as parents with pushchairs, older people and wheelchair users.
“We would expect everyone to adhere to the new prohibitions when the final regulations come into force to guarantee our streets are safer and more user-friendly.”
