Thousands of motorists have been slapped with fines for breaking a major driving law which was introduced at the end of last year in a bid to improve pedestrian safety.
Pavement parking has been illegal in Scotland since December 2023 with drivers given hefty fines for failing to adhere to the rules.
A new report has revealed that 1,260 penalties have been issued to drivers so far this year byNorth Ayrshire Council which operatesnear Glasgow.
The crackdown comes as part of Scotland’s nationwide effort to tackle pavement parking, with the country becoming the first in the UK to implement a nationwide ban.
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Drivers can be fined £100 if caught parking on the pavement
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Official reports found that the highest number of fines for pavement parking were issued to the town of Saltcoats, where 306 drivers received penalties.
Largs saw the second-highest number with 263 fines issued, while Irvine recorded 223 violations. Other towns saw fewer than 100 penalties each, with Ardrossan recording 99 fines and Kilwinning 76.
The coastal towns of Skelmorlie, Brodick and Portencross saw the lowest numbers, with two fines issued in Skelmorlie and just one each in Brodick and Portencross.
Scotland’s new nationwide pavement parking ban was implemented under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019. The rules allow local authorities to fine drivers for pavement parking, doubleparking and parking at dropped kerbs across the country.
Motorists can be fined £100 for the infringement though this is reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
Scottish Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop said: “The message here is clear: pavement parking is unsafe, unfair and illegal, and you could be fined up to £100 for it.
“We’re highlighting the danger that illegal pavement parking poses to pavement users, and in particular those with mobility issues or visual impairments, or parents pushing prams and buggies.”
“Scotland is the first of the four nations to make pavement parking illegal nationwide. This change in legislation is a step towards developing communities that are better able to support active travel.”
In November, former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh revealed that the Department for Transport would be considering a nationwide parking ban across the UK.
Pavement parking has been illegal in London since 1974, as well as in certain cities, but not across the whole nation.
Rhydian Jones, car insurance expert from Confused.com, explained: “These parking bans are being put in place to improve safety, for drivers and pedestrians, and for those who need better accessibility on roads.
“If you’re caught by the council, you could get fined as much as £100. And if the police fine you, it could be a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £200, and you might even get penalty points on your licenceas well.
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The Government is considering how a pavement parking ban would be most effective GETTY“While this new potential law change could be costly, drivers must remember that these rules are there to keep drivers and pedestrians safe.”