Pavement parking ban supported by MSPs

A ban on double parking and parking on pavements has moved closer after MSPs voted unanimously to back the general principles of a member’s bill by Glasgow MSP Sandra White.

The Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill would make it illegal to park on pavements and dropped kerbs, and restrict double parking on roads. Local authorities would be able to apply for exemption for certain designated areas.

White said the bill had received broad public support during consultation.

RELATED CONTENT

Car parks: Things are not fine

Soapbox: Pedestrians and cyclists lack protection- Kim Harding

Air pollution: invisible killer

Previous attempts to introduce the idea failed because of doubts over whether the Scottish parliament had necessary power to legislate, but the Scottish Government has committed to pursue it in the next parliamentary session following further powers being devolved.

Transport minister Derek Mackay said: “We have to look at the challenging priorities in relation to the residential nature of many of our streets around town centres and not shunt the problem to another area, as has been described. That is why a careful consultation and fuller consideration will be required on some of the traffic management and planning issues.”

Conservative MSP Cameron Buchanan said sometimes motorists were left with no other choice.

“We would not be serving the public if we simply imposed a blanket ban and left motorists, as well as law enforcement officers, to clear up the mess,” he said.

However blind MSP Dennis Robertson said pavement parking put him in danger.

“Today, I was walking along and found a car impeding the whole pavement. I had no option but to go on to the road. There was no space against the wall—the car took up the whole pavement and I had to walk into on-coming traffic. It took me 10 minutes because I had to wait for assistance—the guide dog refused to go into on-coming traffic,” he said.

After MSPs backed her bill, White said: “I’m delighted that this important Bill has passed the first stage of the parliamentary process, meaning that the Parliament agrees with the principles of the legislation and will now scrutinise the detail.

 “Reckless parking can make life extraordinarily difficult for those with mobility or sight issues as well as many other pedestrians. It’s right that we make it clear that bad parking is unacceptable.

 “After raising this issue for several years I am glad that we now have the power to act.”