Motorists face £100 fines next month with new parking law introduced… don’t get caught out
MOTORISTS face being slapped with £100 fines from next month as a new parking law is introduced.
Drivers could see themselves having to cough up hefty sums for a common bad habit.
From December 11, Scottish councils will have the power to enforce new rules cracking down on certain offences.
These include a complete ban on pavement parking, double parking (defined as parking more than 50cm from the edge of the road) and parking at dropped kerbs.
Local authorities that choose to take on the new laws will see their areas become the first parts of the UK outside London where pavement parking is prohibited.
Pavement parking is already an offence if it causes an obstruction, but the updated rules will outlaw it in all instances.
However, it’s important to note that it will be down to councils whether or not they enforce the regulations.
At the moment, the Highland Council and the City of Edinburgh Council have confirmed that they will make the changes, with the latter beginning enforcement in the new year.
Drivers who fall foul of the rules can be issued a £50 penalty notice, rising to £100 if not paid within 14 days, or have their vehicle removed.
Highland Council said they will begin a “grace period” in 2024, with warnings initially issued before fines.
The move has also seen support from South Lanarkshire Council, though it has not yet made a commitment to the new rules, while Scottish Borders Council held a consultation on the issue.
It has also met with approval from charities, with Niall Foley of Guide Dogs Scotland calling pavement parking a “nuisance”.
He said: “When cars block the way, it undermines the confidence of people with a vision impairment to get out and about independently.”
And Stuart Hay, the director of Living Streets Scotland, added: “Edinburgh is taking the right approach to the enforcement of pavement parking, recognising that footways are for people, not parking spaces for cars.”
Both the City of Edinburgh and Highland Councils have been contacted for comment.
It comes after a woman facing £800 in driving fines claimed she had been the victim of an IT error.
Meanwhile, a mechanic revealed a serious engine issue which could see garages refuse to fix your car and cost thousands to sort out.