New national legislation has come into effect meaning pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs will not be permitted
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 has been introduced nationally and means parking on all pavements/footways will be prohibited with the exception of specific areas identified by local authorities that meet certain requirements - for example to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles.
Road users could now face fines of £100 for these parking behaviours; reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
The change in legislation is designed to make communities safer, support active travel and build on the work that is already underway to reduce emissions and helping us meet our world-leading climate change targets.
In October, we opened a consultation to establish locations where pavement/footway parking currently takes places within the region to assess and determine which areas will be allowed to legally continue as parking areas.
Councillor John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads Development & Maintenance
“The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 has been introduced from today to improve the safety of pavement users especially those with mobility issues or visual impairments, or parents pushing prams and buggies.
“It’s extremely important that drivers across the Borders take head of this new law and adjust their parking habits accordingly.
“Although the new legislation has now been enacted, Scottish Borders Council, like most other Scottish local authorities, still have some work to undertake in identifying locations where an exemption might be justified.
“That being the case the intention will be to focus on educating drivers across the region, prior to any enforcement action being undertaken.”