The pavement parking ban will come into effect in Argyll and Bute by the end of 2024, to improve road safety for vulnerable people, and more resources will be in place to support its enforcement.
The council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure committee took this decision on Thursday (20 June).
Argyll and Bute Council has a small team of wardens carrying out enforcement on roads and in car parks. Two new warden posts will be created to enhance the capacity of the team for enforcing the pavement parking ban and wider parking restrictions.
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 bans pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs. The Regulations received Parliamentary assent and came into force on 11th December 2023
This type of parking can be dangerous. It forces vulnerable pedestrians, for example people with a visual impairment, wheelchair users, and parents and carers with children, off the pavement and into the road amongst vehicles.
Charities have done research which clearly shows how many people’s lives are affected by it on a daily basis. Cars parked on pavements, or at dropped kerbs, can prevent people from getting out and about safely and independently.
There’s also a financial cost too. Pavements aren’t designed to take the weight of vehicles and inconsiderate parking can contribute to the repairs required on our footways.