... and you’ll be banned from parking on pavements

PARKING cars on pavements will be banned under legislation published yesterday.

The Scottish Government wants to outlaw the practice, as well as ‘double parking’ – and included them in its Transport (Scotland) Bill. But critics say a blanket national ban is not necessary to tackle localised problems.

The legislation says: ‘Vehicles parked on footways can hinder the safe passage of pedestrians, as well as reducing the independence of vulnerable people, especially the elderly and disabled, as parked cars can damage surfaces which can result in trip hazards.

‘Vehicles that are double parked can impact the safe movement of traffic and endanger other road users or obstruct access to vital services.’

The Bill creates a prohibition on parking on footways and footpaths, and double parking, across Scotland’s road network. Local councils will need to create an exemption for certain streets if they do not want the ban to apply.

But Neil Greig, of IAM RoadSmart, said: ‘A ban on pavement parking is a blunt instrument to tackle a localised problem. A blanket ban is not required.’

Meanwhile, plans for a Scottish version of the London Oyster Card have been dropped. In 2012 Nicola Sturgeon announced proposals for a Saltire smartcard that could be used on public transport.

But ministers admit the Bill will only insist on operators achieving a ‘national technological standard’ for smart ticketing.