Pavement parking should be culturally unacceptable - campaigners

By The Newsroom
Published 8th Nov 2018, 16:52 BST
Updated 12th Nov 2018, 10:01 BST
Pavement parking would be banned under the Transport (Scotland) Bill. Picture: Kate ChandlerPavement parking would be banned under the Transport (Scotland) Bill. Picture: Kate Chandler
Pavement parking would be banned under the Transport (Scotland) Bill. Picture: Kate Chandler
A new culture making pavement parking anti-social was urged today campaigners for disabled people and pedestrians.

They want vehicles obstructing pavements to be popularly frowned on as part of a planned new law to ban the practice.

David Hunter, of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland, told MSPs he backed “creating that culture where it is seen as anti-social to park on a pavement.

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“It is not a decent thing to do because it does cause pedestrians problems.”

He was giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s rural economy and connectivity committee on the planned Scottish Government’s Transport (Scotland) Bill, which would outlaw it.

Mr Hunter said bin lorries and vehicles loading should not be exempt, as is proposed.

He said that would strengthen enforcement.

Iain Smith, of Inclusion Scotland, which campaigns for disabled people, said of the ban: “This is very important for disabled people.

“Many are trapped in their house because of vehicles parked on pavements, which means they cannot get out on a wheelchair.”

He said vehicles also damaged pavements, causing a trip hazard.

Mr Smith added that parking beside dropped kerbs should also be made illegal.

Inside Transport: Is it time for a pavement parking ban?

John Lauder, director of walking and cycling body Sustrans Scotland, said pavement parking had “become a societal norm”, fuelled by more families owning several cars.

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