A South Lanarkshire Council van has been snapped parked on a pavement in East Kilbride just days after the local authority began enforcing a ban on pavement parking.
An eagle-eyed resident took a photograph of the vehicle parked on a pavement in Brisbane Terrace on Sunday, January 12 as wardens were spotted placing warning notices on vehicles parked illegally across the town.
It comes after the local authority began enforcing the Scottish Government’s national pavement parking ban on January 6 to improve road safety for pedestrians.
Commenting, the resident told Lanarkshire Live: “It made me really annoyed. It’s almost as if it’s one rule for them and another for us. Almost like a middle finger to us and a ‘haha I don’t need to follow the rules but I can make you for doing exactly what I am doing now’.”
Colin Park, Head of Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services at South Lanarkshire Council, said the local authority would look into it and take action if necessary.
He said: “Council drivers are required to adhere to the legal requirements in the same way as members of the public, so we will look into this further and take appropriate action as necessary.”
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South Lanarkshire Council wardens have been placing warning notices on cars parked illegally
(Image: East Kilbride News)
Drivers who park on a pavement in South Lanarkshire now face a fine of up to £100., reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 makes it illegal to park on the pavement in Scotland, as well as double parking and at dropped kerbs designed to allow pedestrians to cross the road safely.
Beginning in the area on January 6, 2025 pavement parking, double parking, and parking at dropped kerbs can result in a Fixed Penalty Notice to improve road safety and accessibility for pedestrians.
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It was agreed last year that a ‘soft’ approach would initially be taken to enforcement, with warning signs placed on vehicles stating that fines will shortly be introduced for vehicles parked on pavements.
While this approach may continue to be taken at some locations, drivers parking on pavements, double parking or parking at dropped kerbs, particularly at busy locations, should now expect to receive a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Vehicles regularly park illegally on Main Street in East Kilbride Village forcing pedestrians onto the road
(Image: Lynsay Keough)
The plans have been supported by road safety organisations and accessibility charities like Living Streets and Guide Dogs.
While the new law has been welcomed by local residents, concerns have been raised that drivers living in narrow streets with restricted on-street parking will be unfairly penalised.
Local residents took to social media to air their views.
One woman said: “EK was not built to accommodate cars. Are they going to do away with the green spaces we have within EK to accommodate this? They need to do something! They cannot expect to implement this without actually providing an alternative. Or do the decent thing and scrap it.”
Another resident posted: “So does this mean South Lanarkshire Council will now actually spend money improving parking in streets? Doubt it.”
One local wrote: “Just another tax on car owners, total joke.”
And another resident commented: “If the cars in my street all park on the road then the bin lorry can’t get up, so neither would an ambulance or a fire engine. It’s not going to work everywhere.”
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Pavement parking is a bone of contention for many
(Image: Lynsay Keough)
Chair of the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown, said: “We have a difficult balancing act here – there are areas where on-street parking is very restricted, but our priority must be to ensure people can walk safely on pavements without being forced onto roads.
“We know this can be a huge issue for people who use wheelchairs or walking aids, people with visual impairments and for parents using prams or buggies.
“A balanced approach will be taken to any locations brought to our attention and consideration will be given as to the appropriate level of initial and ongoing action on a case-by-case basis.
“It’s also important to emphasise that we are enforcing Parliamentary legislation aimed at making pavements safer. This is our aim but any income we receive from penalties will go towards the operational costs of the Parking Unit which like many services across the council is experiencing real funding pressures.”
Scottish Green Party councillor Kirsten Robb, Deputy Chair, Climate and Sustainability Committee, said: “I certainly get ongoing queries on pavement parking problems as well as the limitations of parking because households tend to have more cars now – I understand everyone’s concerns.
“My understanding is that people will get one reminder re pavement parking then fines can be issued.
“Ultimately pavements are for people so this has been introduced nationally and locally for safety so more people are able to walk and wheel around safely.
“There are some alternatives like parking a little further away and walking, using public transport and active travel.
“However, I do think more investment in alternatives like better public transport, safer routes and car and bike share schemes would all reduce the need for households to have more than one car, reduce parking pressure and also save people money.
” I’d like to support the council, companies, communities and individuals move more of these alternatives forward.”
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