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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Claire Galloway

Scottish Government approve nationwide pavement parking ban

Do you park on the pavements in Edinburgh? This action is to become an offence under new legislation.

Voting on section four of the Transport (Scotland) Bill, the Scottish Government agreed in principle to a nationwide pavement parking ban. 

Under current legislation it is not a specific offence to pavement park or double park but the new legislation would see a ban that prohibits these actions.

For Living Streets Scotland - a charity that advocates for everyday walking and have campaigned for the pavement parking ban - the decision is a huge success.

Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland, said: "Today’s (April 4) ruling to make cars on pavements a thing of the past will help to create safer and more welcoming streets for all.  

"As well as offering huge financial savings to local councils who are charged with fixing footways damaged by the weight of vehicles, it will give new freedom to people in wheelchairs, parents with pushchairs and older people who are currently forced into oncoming traffic when they’re faced with a vehicle blocking their path. "

20-minute exemption for delivery vehicles

However Mr Hay cautioned that the bill should not be "watered down" pointing to concerns over a 20-minute exemption for delivery vehicles.

“Our main concern is a blanket 20-minute exemption for delivery vehicles. This dispensation undermines the goals of preventing obstruction and pavement damage.

This Edinburgh Twitter account rounds up the worst parking in Leith, and the examples are shocking 

"We agree with Scottish councils who believe that enforcement of this waiting time is impractical. This clause must be removed.  

“The relevant powers in England and Wales should take a lead from today’s monumental ruling.” 

The ruling comes in the same week that the Transport Select Committee launched an inquiry into pavement parking in England.  

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