Ban on pavement parking in Edinburgh set to come into force in January 2024

A ban on pavement parking is set come into force in Edinburgh from the start of 2024, following the introduction of new powers by the Scottish Government.

Under the plans, drivers who are caught parking on pavements, double-parking and parking across dropped kerbs will face a £100 fine.

It comes after the Scottish Government passed Pavement Parking Prohibitions in 2021 – a law that gives local authorities the power to stop pavement parking.

The legislation will receive ministerial approval in December – giving further councils across Scotland the power to enforce the ban.

National regulations will come into force on December 11, with Edinburgh’s enforcement to start in January 2024.

City of Edinburgh Council said they have always supported a ban on pavement parking, calling it a “persistent issue” within the city.

The Scottish capital will become the second city in the UK to initiate the ban, with parking on the pavement only currently illegal in London.

Councillor Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener, said: “Implementing these new parking restrictions is part of our commitment to ensure Edinburgh’s roads and pavements are accessible for all.

“Making sure our footways are kept clear will deliver real benefits for pedestrians and road users, particularly those who are disproportionately affected such as parents with pushchairs, older people and wheelchair users.

“We would expect everyone to adhere to the new prohibitions when the final regulations come into force to guarantee our streets are safer and more user-friendly.”

Living Scotland, a charity which promotes everyday walking, backed the plans, with director Stuart Hay describing it as the best way to ensure “safe access” to streets.

He said: “Edinburgh is taking the right approach to the enforcement of pavement parking, recognising that footways are for people, not parking spaces for cars.

“Exemptions should only be applied in exceptional cases based on evidence, which can only be collected via careful monitoring and consultation.

“This is the best way to ensure those most affected by blocked pavements, including disabled people, have safe access to our streets.”

Guide Dogs Scotland also backed the law, and revealed they will be working alongside the charity to ensure the parking ban is a “success”.

Niall Foley, lead external affairs manager, said: “Parking on pavements is a nuisance for everyone, but potentially dangerous if you are a wheelchair user forced onto the road, pushing a buggy, or have sight loss and can’t see traffic coming towards you.

“When cars block the way, it undermines the confidence of people with a vision impairment to get out and about independently.

“We welcome the parking measures being introduced and look forward to working with Edinburgh Council to ensure the pavement parking prohibitions are a success.”