Drivers Beware: New Parking Rules, £100 Fines

Drivers have been alerted to new parking regulations taking effect today across a major region, with those who violate the rules facing fines of up to £100.

North Lanarkshire Council has introduced stricter pavement parking laws, which are now being enforced. Motorists caught parking illegally on pavements will receive a £100 penalty, though this can be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

These measures fall under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, which makes pavement parking illegal across Scotland. Parking attendants will now issue Fixed Penalty Notices to offenders, prioritizing enforcement in town centres and high-footfall pedestrian areas.

Since January, the council has been issuing warning notices to inform residents about the upcoming changes. Officials emphasize that the enforcement aims to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility throughout North Lanarkshire. The new regulations apply to all motorists, including taxi drivers, with no exemptions for Blue Badge holders.

The law specifically bans three types of parking: on pavements, double parking, and blocking dropped kerbs intended for pedestrian crossings. However, residents can still park at dropped kerbs leading to private driveways.

Double parking—where a vehicle is parked alongside another parked car—creates congestion and hazardous road conditions. Blocking pedestrian crossing points with dropped kerbs is also prohibited, as it poses risks, particularly for wheelchair users.

Additionally, the legislation outlaws parking on road verges located between roads and pavements. Parking attendants can issue tickets immediately upon spotting violations, without needing an observation period.

Councillor Helen Loughran highlighted that the law is designed to improve road safety by preventing pedestrians from having to step into traffic due to parked cars obstructing pavements.

There are only a few exceptions, such as emergency vehicles attending incidents and delivery vehicles, provided they leave at least 1.5 meters of space for pedestrians.

These changes are especially beneficial for vulnerable pedestrians, including individuals with visual impairments, wheelchair users, and families with children or pushchairs, who often struggle to navigate around parked vehicles obstructing the pavement.