Scottish motorists are being warned that new driving laws could see them handed £70 fines for parking on streets.
If passed, the legislation will see tighter rules surrounding pavement parking in an effort to reduce road blockages.
A number of new driving rules already came into force last month when the Highway Code was updated.
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The proposed legislation would see drivers faced with a £70 penalty charge notice (PCN), as well as points on their licence.
As reported by the Daily Record, pavement parking may seem harmless but can in fact pose significant danger to pedestrians.
According to the updated Highway Code, pedestrians now top the hierarchy of the road alongside cyclists.
The changes were implemented to safeguard more vulnerable road users.
When pavements are blocked by parked cars, pedestrians may be forced to walk out onto the road to continue their journey — which poses an unnecessary risk.
Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com, commented on the changes and how they will affect drivers in the coming months.
He said: “What may seem a small inconvenience to some, might be a huge hindrance to others.
“But it’s important to remember that pavements are there for the use and safety of pedestrians only, and therefore should be respected by all other road users.
“However, without a clearer understanding of the law around pavement parking, it’ll be hard to implement fines to drivers who break the rules.
“The current laws around pavement parking can be quite confusing, which is why it’s difficult at times to prosecute drivers.
“With consultations ongoing for England and Wales, with Scotland already pioneering the way to make a big change, drivers should be wary that changes could come into force sooner rather than later.
“Councils will be given a bigger responsibility and penalty charges could be issued.
“The laws around parking on pavements is just one of many new driving laws coming into effect this year, with road user safety at the forefront of each.”
Over 70% of motorists say they have parked on a pavement at least once, and more than 40% stated they felt this was dangerous.
The issue can be particularly dangerous for children and those with disabilities.
A number of changes were made in the Highway Code recently which aims to protect all road users from unnecessary danger.
One of the rules involved pavements and the potential danger cyclists and pedestrians face when travelling down them.
Rule 239 of the Highway Code states: “When using an electric vehicle charge point, you should park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians from trailing cables.
“Display a warning sign if you can. After using the charge point, you should return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to pedestrians and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users.”
