No clarity yet on pavement parking in Argyll and Bute

No decision has been taken on whether a ban on pavement parking will be enforced in Argyll and Bute when new legislation takes effect later this month.

The Scottish Government passed a law four years ago to give local authorities the power to stop drivers bocking pavements with their vehicles.

Powers to take action under the legislation will come into effect on December 11, meaning all councils will be free to enforce the ban.

And an MSP has already called on the council to enforce a ban with no exemptions as soon as possible.

But a council spokesperson said this week: “We await further details on the new regulations from December 11 if approved by Scottish Parliament.

“We would like to remind all road users to respect pedestrians at all times, and avoid dangerous or obstructive parking.”

The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 bans pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs, with certain exemptions designated by local authorities – for example to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles.

Last month Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop launched. campaign to highlight the new law, which would see drivers being fined £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

Ms Hyslop said: “The message here is clear: pavement parking is unsafe, unfair and illegal, and you could be fined up to £100 for it.

“Local authorities can begin to issue fines from December 11, so this campaign is really important to make sure everyone in Scotland is aware that enforcement is coming.”

Green Party MSP Ariane Burgess has specifically called for the law to be enforced in Argyll and Bute.

“Our footways are for all of us, they are not extra parking spaces for cars,” she said.

“Yet, all over Argyll and Bute we are seeing inconsiderate drivers parking wherever they want, deterring people from walking and wheeling and blocking the pavement for people with mobility issues.

“Nobody should have to put themselves in a vulnerable position because of cars being parked where they shouldn’t be.”

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