Pavement parkers face crackdown

HARDLINE measures to crack down on irresponsible parking have been unveiled at Holyrood amid concern that current police controls “aren’t working”.

Nationalist MSP Joe Fitzpatrick has launched a members’ Bill which would target parking on pavements, double parking and parking alongside kerbs which have been lowered for wheelchair users.

The Dundee West MSP said bad parking posed a major safety risk: “There have been examples of some really serious issues for emergency services due to double-parked vehicles.

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“It is clear that the current situation, with complicated police enforcement, isn’t working. We need Scottish legislation that enables local authorities to take action against inconsiderate parking.

“Through this bill we can raise awareness among drivers and bring in clear guidelines to end pavement and dropped-kerb parking.”

Mr Fitzpatrick said the bill aimed to help pedestrians.

In extreme cases, poor parking could leave people unable to enter or leave their homes, he said.

This included blind and partially sighted people, older and disabled people, and families with pushchairs.

There will be exceptions on the face of the bill, such as for streets with extra-wide pavements. Local authorities will be able to make exemptions based on local circumstances.

Keith Irving, head of Living Streets Scotland, said: “Poorly parked vehicles restrict the independence of many vulnerable people, including older people, families with pushchairs and those with visual or mobility impairments.”

Residents of a street in Edinburgh’s Shandon area, where five homes were gutted by a blaze last year, launched a petition to ban double parking after cars blocked access for fire engines.

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