New parking laws’ impact to be probed

COUNCILLORS in Fife have called for a full report on what plans to ban pavement and double parking will mean in practice across the region.

Fife Council has asked officers to look at the pavement parking provisions contained in the Transport (Scotland) Bill and the impacts it will have on the local authority’s lining policy after concerns were raised by Dunfermline Liberal Democrat councillor James Calder about the issue.

Mr Calder specifically raised the topic of H bar markings, which are used to indicate areas where people should not park or block with their cars but are not necessarily visible and are often flouted.

However, his motion to full council calling for a clear policy governing the use of H bar markings was voted down in favour of an administration amendment looking at the forthcoming legislation in more detail.

The new laws will provide local authorities with powers to enforce the ban on pavement parking when it comes into force in 2023, but question marks remain about exemptions and enforcement.

Mr Calder said he had been approached by a number of locals concerned that H bar markings seem to be fewer and further between, and are not necessarily being repainted when they fade.

“A lot of residents, particularly elderly ones, have been concerned about people parking over them and they have felt they can’t challenge that behaviour,” he said.

Councillor Altany Craik, convener of the council’s economy, tourism, strategic planning and transportation subcommittee, pointed out that H bar markings are an advisory measure and are just one of the tools available to councils to ensure pavements and roads are more accessible and safer for all.

But he added: “Yes there are problems with H bars and some people abusing them, but generally I think compliance is good and most people are not unreasonable if they are asked to move.”