Irresponsible parking bill to be introduced at Holyrood today

The law would create an offence for parking on footways and dropped kerbs and would ban double parking.

The law is being brought forward by the SNP’s Sandra White MSP and has been supported by both Guide Dogs Scotland and Living Streets – a charity which seeks to improve public spaces for pedestrians.

Stuart Hay, director of Living Streets Scotland, said: “Pavement parking is number one complaint here at Living Streets.

“Pavements are for pedestrians, not vehicles, and parking on them causes inconvenience and danger.

“The time for action is now as existing powers don’t work and are seldom used by the police or local authorities.

“Sandra White’s Bill is a major step forward and must be swiftly adopted if Scotland is serious about boosting walking in our towns and cities.”

Ms White said that the bill’s publication was “an important step forward”.

She added: “However, I am disappointed that Scottish Parliament lawyers have ruled that the bill is outwith its legislative competence - and I will continue to look for a way to take the legislation forward.

“The bill will place restrictions on pavement parking, dropped kerb parking and double parking in order to ensure free movement for pedestrians, especially those with mobility issues or visual impairment.

“For the thousands of people affected by irresponsible parking, who cannot get about and lead their daily lives, this Bill will provide legislation which will be enormously important and will make a huge positive difference to them.”