GLASGOW is now ready to issue fines for pavement parking, the city’s local authority has announced.
Enforcement of pavement parking has been phased in over the past month in the city – with over 400 warnings given out against vehicles found to be breaching the new regulations that aim to improve the safety of pedestrians.
Any pavement parking that forces pedestrians on to the carriageway, creating a risk to public safety, is now enforceable and can generate a fine of £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. Likewise, double parking and parking next to a dropped kerb are also immediately liable to receive a penalty charge notice.
An initial assessment of the city has found there is no exemption to the pavement parking ban on most of Glasgow’s streets. These are streets where parking restrictions are already in place or where the road is at least 7.5 metres wide, which allows safe passage for a fire engine when cars are parked on both side of the road.
However, many city streets are currently subject to further assessment on whether measures such as a form of parking controls are appropriate or whether an exemption could be considered, the council.
Full details of the streets where there is no exemption or where further assessment is required can be found on a detailed map that is available here.
There are exceptions in the legislation for pavement parking in situations including delivering or collecting goods for up to 20 minutes, as well as the use of emergency service vehicles or waste collection vehicles, postal deliveries, the delivery of urgent medical assistance, and assisting an accident or breakdown.
Councillor Angus Millar, city convener for transport at Glasgow City Council, said, “Pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs create road safety hazards across Glasgow and put vulnerable pedestrians and wheelchair users in danger every day. People with mobility issues or visual impairments, or those who are pushing a buggy or pram for example, will often struggle to get around their community because of pavement parking.
“Forcing people to walk on the carriageway in direct conflict with traffic is unacceptable and enforcing the new restrictions will make our street safer for all road users. Double parking and dropped kerb parking also cause significant issues in streets around the city for pedestrians but also for drivers, who will find roads blocked and struggle to manoeuvre safely.
“While some streets may be considered for exemptions or further parking restrictions in advance of pavement parking enforcement, the majority of streets in the city have already been determined to require no exemption and enforcement in these streets will begin this month. Drivers should check out the Council’s website to find out the current status of their street.”
