New pavement parking laws welcomed by Perth councillor

A Perthshire councillor hopes the recent government initiative to improve pavement parking laws will help alleviate Perth’s own parking issues.

Councillor Andrew Parrot for Perth city centre spoke after a survey by Guide Dogs Scotland showed that 97 per cent of blind or partially sighted people encounter problems with street obstructions, and 90 per cent of those had experienced trouble with a pavement parked car.

Guide Dogs Scotland is supporting the Scottish Government’s proposals in the Transport (Scotland) Bill that would prohibit pavement parking in Scotland, except in areas which need a legitimate exemption.

The charity also made an appearance at the SNP conference earlier this month to talk about the challenges pavement parked cars create.

Councillor Parrott commented:“I fully support the Scottish Government initiative for legislation to bring clarity to where off-street/on pavement parking by vehicles is prohibited and where it is specifically allowed for.

“I believe that the new legislation will do much to ease the problems faced by those with mobility issues who presently all too often find their way on pavements or their dropped curbs for crossing roads blocked.

“I hope this legislation can be introduced quickly so that it can be taken into account in other work being done to address parking issues in Perth city.”

Niall Foley, the engagement manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, said:“Cars blocking pavements are a nuisance for everyone, but can be a real danger for people for people with sight loss, potentially forcing them out into the roads to get by.

“The powers councils and police have at the moment aren’t sufficient to tackle the problem.

“And that’s why we are supporting the Scottish Government’s proposals in the Transport (Scotland) Bill for a clear law where drivers cannot park on the pavement unless they’re in a specifically designated area.”