MSP calls for Fife Council to enforce pavement parking ban

The ban on pavement parking came into force in December last year, with local authorities able to enforce this if they wished.

The law prohibits pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs, and offenders can get a £100 fine for ignoring these measures; £50 if paid within 14 days.

As previously reported in the Press, at the time of its introduction, Fife Council said that they would not be enforcing it.

Mark Ruskell, the Scottish Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, has written to Fife Council urging them to do so.

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Mr Ruskell encouraged Fife Council to set a final date for full implementation of the pavement parking ban. (Image: Parliament TV)

In his letter, Mr Ruskell encouraged Fife Council to set a final date for full implementation of the pavement parking ban.

He said: “Our pavements and footways are for all of us, yet, all over the country there are drivers who seem to think that they can park wherever they want.

“Parking on pavements, blocking dropped kerbs and double parking is not just dangerous, but also stops folks with prams or mobility issues from being able to walk or wheel safely.”

Many local authorities have not yet implemented the legislation locally.

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“Fife Council have had the chance to put the brakes on pavement parkers since December 2023," he said.

"Edinburgh City Council had enforcement in place from January 2024, and just earlier this month, Stirling Council rolled out enforcement.

“Folks in Fife should not be kept waiting for safer streets. I’ve written to the Council today to urge them to set a final date for full implementation of the pavement parking ban before the end of 2024.

“Safer streets make safer communities for us all – and finally taking action on pavement parking is a critical part of the picture."

Service manager for Fife's roads network Sara Wilson said: "The new legislation will allow vulnerable road users to walk with confidence, particularly benefitting those with impaired mobility and sight, and parents with prams. 

"Fife Council is progressing with the detail of how the new powers will be implemented and like many Scottish Local Authorities, we are currently assessing our road network to identify locations for consideration of exemptions.

"Any exemptions allowing pavement parking will be clearly signed and lined to ensure clarity for the public. Given the level of parking demand in many areas, we will take a sensitive approach to enforcement of the legislation. 

"The national ban on pavement parking will not be enforced in Fife until work to identify exemption areas is completed and approval is given by members at Cabinet Committee."