Proposed pavement parking ban stalled

A PROPOSED ban on pavement parking has stalled ­as Holyrood officials doubt MSPs have the power to introduce it, the MSP backing it said today.

The legislation is likely to be outwith the competence of Holyrood. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Glasgow Kelvin SNP MSP Sandra White said her parking bill would benefit elderly, disabled and blind people, and parents with children.

However, the Scottish Parliament’s non-governmental bills unit has told her the legislation is likely to be “outwith the competence” of Holyrood.

White vowed to press ahead and hopes to introduce the bill later this year.

She has rejected officials’ advice to change the bill as it would mean councils also having to agree to the ban.

She said: “It has been a frustrating time and it’s disappointing we are no further forward after over two years. With or without the parliament’s support, I will continue to bring this bill forward.”

Tony Armstrong, chief executive of Living Streets, which campaigns for pedestrians, said: “We will continue to campaign vigorously in support of Sandra White’s bill.

“This legislation has the potential to vastly improve the quality of life, making walking safer and easier. It would be a travesty if it were to be derailed now.”

A spokesman for the Edinburgh’s Worst Drivers website, which “shames badly behaved motorists”, said: “Pavement parking is an issue I am very passionate about, and have ­actively aimed to discourage through my site. I would urge the Scottish Parliament to ­reconsider their position.”

A Scottish Parliament spokeswoman said: “Officials have been clear and consistent in their advice that the specific proposal is unlikely to fall within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.

“Officials have suggested a way forward which is likely to be within our competence.”