MSP calls for pavement parking ban to be enforced in Clacks

Powers for local councils to ban vehicles from parking on pavements, alongside double parking and parking at dropped kerbs, came into force across Scotland in December.

It can be punished by a £100 fine but many councils, including Clacks and Fife, have yet to enforce the laws.

While the legislation has been accepted at a national level, it is yet to be implemented on a local scale, with many pavement parking offences still taking place across Clacks.

Now, Mark Ruskell, Scottish Greens MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, has called on Clacks Council to begin enforcing pavement parking offences.

Mark Ruskell has called for the ban to be enforced. (Image: Mark Ruskell)

Mr Ruskell sent a letter to the council on Wednesday, July 17 urging them to set a final date for full implementation of the ban.

He said: “Our pavements and footways are for all of us, yet, all over the country there are drivers who seem to think that they can park wherever they want.

“Parking on pavements, blocking dropped kerbs and double parking is not just dangerous, but also stops folks with prams or mobility issues from being able to walk or wheel safely.

“Clackmannanshire Council have had the chance to put the brakes on pavement parkers since December 2023.”

Some local authorities have started enforcing the law.

Many had allowed for a grace period for drivers to become aware of the new changes, with Stirling Council announcing full implementation on Monday, July 15.

Mr Ruskell continued: “Edinburgh City Council had enforcement in place from January 2024, and just earlier this month, Stirling Council rolled out enforcement.

“Folks in Clacks should not be kept waiting for safer streets. I’ve written to the council today to urge them to set a final date for full implementation of the pavement parking ban before the end of 2024.

“Safer streets make safer communities for us all – and finally taking action on pavement parking is a critical part of the picture.”