New regulations came into force in Scotland in December 2023, designed to tackle the problems caused by inconsiderate parking, especially for people with mobility issues, visual impairments and those with pushchairs.
The Council’s Enforcement Officers will be issuing warning notices to raise awareness and advising motorists that the legislation will be enforced from 15th July.
From that date, Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) will be issued for the three new contraventions. The fine is £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days of issue.
Stirling Council is the latest in a line of Local Authorities, including Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee, to introduce enforcement.
Regulations
Motorists are reminded to park responsibly and with consideration for other road and pathway users. The new rules are aimed at making the streets of Stirling safer and more accessible for everyone.
A full list of FAQs on the regulations, including any exemptions, has been compiled and residents can also report vehicles that are incorrectly parked.
The FAQs provide fuller details on the regulations, including for Blue Badge holders, people loading or making deliveries and people making passenger drop offs.
Kim Cramond, from Dunblane, has MS and has been a wheelchair user for three years. She welcomes the new enforcement as it will make pavements safer for her and her three-year-old son, Cameron.
Kim said: “As a wheelchair user, I’m at a lower height to most people and if I have to negotiate around a car that’s parked on the pavement and move onto the road, it’s really dangerous for me and my young son as motorists might not see us.
“We can’t always return immediately to the pavement either, as there may be no dropped kerbs nearby that will allow us to safely negotiate a way off the road and back on to the footways.
Selfish
“There have been times when I’ve been taking Cameron to the park and we’ve had to return home because we can’t get past a car that’s inconsiderately parked on the pavement.
“I understand motorists don’t always park this way because they’re selfish. People park their cars without thinking, perhaps to save it from being scratched. I’ve done it too in the past, but keeping a car safe isn’t more important than keeping people safe.
“I’m pleased to see enforcement coming in because it’s a chance to educate motorists. Pavements are for people, not vehicles.”
National regulations that gave councils the power to enforce the new rules came into effect on 11 December 2023.