Enforcement of Glasgow’s pavement parking ban is set to come into force on 29 January – with drivers facing a £100 fine if they breach the rules.
Scotland’s largest local authority hopes the new powers will protect pedestrians – including people with mobility issues, the elderly, and those with pushchairs – who could be forced on to the road by inappropriate parking.
The parking controls will also include a crackdown on double parking and parking at dropped kerbs.
Warning notices will be issued initially as motorists adjust to the changes, and all fines will be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
Councillor Angus Millar, city convener for transport, said: “Pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs create road safety hazards across Glasgow and put vulnerable pedestrians and wheelchair users in danger every day.
“People with mobility issues or visual impairments, or those who are pushing a buggy or pram for example, will often struggle to get around their community because of pavement parking.
“Forcing people to walk on the carriageway in direct conflict with traffic is unacceptable and enforcing the new restrictions will make our street safer for all road users.
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“Double parking and dropped kerb parking also cause significant issues in streets around the city for pedestrians but also for drivers, who will find roads blocked and struggle to manoeuvre safely.”
In 2021, the Scottish government passed a law giving local authorities the power to prohibit pavement parking.
The legislation received ministerial approval in December 2023.
Edinburgh was the first city in Scotland to enforce a ban on pavement parking in January 2024. Highland Council followed suit the following month.
London has had a ban in place since 1974.
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In Glasgow, there will be no exemption on streets where parking restrictions are already in place or where the road is at least 7.5m wide, which allows safe passage for a fire engine when cars are parked on both sides of the road.
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Existing legislation on pavement parking includes exceptions such as the use of emergency service vehicles or waste collection vehicles, postal deliveries, the delivery of urgent medical assistance, assisting an accident or breakdown, and delivering or collecting goods for up to 20 minutes.
Remaining streets will be assessed to check if other parking measures are appropriate before an exemption can be considered.
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Glasgow City Council has created an interactive map showing where there is no exemption and where further assessment is required.
Councillor Millar added: “While some streets may be considered for exemptions or further parking restrictions in advance of pavement parking enforcement, the majority of streets in the city have already been determined to require no exemption and enforcement in these streets will begin this month.
“Drivers should check out the council’s website to find out the current status of their street.”
