Glasgow pavement parking ban delayed due to 'IT issues', council admits

Glasgow’s ban on pavement parking is facing months of delay due to IT issues.

The council’s transport convenor councillor Angus Millar said a contractor’s back office systems are expected to be ready for the roll out in September – seven months later than the initial estimate of March.

Scottish Greens councillor Anthony Carroll pointed out there were no hold ups in Edinburgh while Glasgow has been “delayed.”

The capital was the first city in Scotland to enforce a ban on pavement parking on January 29 with motorists facing fines of up to £100.

Speaking at the full Glasgow City Council meeting, councillor Millar, SNP, said streets are also being assessed to make sure they are ready for the ban with some very narrow roads possibly being exempt to let emergency vehicles through.

Replying to questions from councillor Carrroll, councillor Millar said: “The council is committed to enforcement of the national prohibition on pavement parking.

“As I noted at a previous full council meeting the necessary changes to our back office systems and enforcement processes could only be instructed by the council following the finalisation of regulations by the Scottish Government in December.

“While our ICT contractor at that point had indicated a target date of March for this work to be finalised the latest estimate from CGI is that it will be September for this to be is complete.

“The department is currently engaging with (contractor) CGI to understand the reasons for this delay and whether it will be possible to accelerate this. I have certainly impressed upon officers my desire to see this complete as soon as possible.

“In terms of any exemptions an audit is required of all streets in the city to identify a street where an exemption may be required.”

He explained streets are currently being assessed for suitability.

He added: “In terms of enforcement time scales, enforcement of dropped kerbs and double parking will begin as soon as back office systems allow. At this point full enforcement of pavement parking will also commence on streets where no further assessment is deemed to be required.”

Bailie Carroll expressed disappointment in terms of CGI’s response.

He added: “Edinburgh did have CGI also in terms of their back office IT systems. So whilst we have been delayed Edinburgh has not been delayed in that back office system.”

Councillor Millar said there were differences in the IT systems regarding software for parking management so it is “not directly comparable.”

He said the council is in discussion with Edinburgh Council to learn more about its approach.