SNP vows to kick pavement parking to the kerb
The SNP has pledged to act to tackle the problem of pavement parking when new powers are devolved to Holyrood.
The SNP has pledged to act to tackle the problem of pavement parking when new powers are devolved to Holyrood.
Transport Minister Derek Mackay vowed if re-elected in May, the Scottish Government would bring in legislation to deal with the issue.
He spoke as MSPs unanimously approved the general principles of a member's bill brought forward by the SNP's Sandra White.
The Footway Parking and Double Parking Bill aims to make it illegal for vehicles to obstruct pavements and dropped kerbs, and would also restrict double parking on public roads.
Ms White said: I'm delighted that this important Bill has passed the first stage of the parliamentary process, meaning that the Parliament agrees with the principles of the legislation and will now scrutinise the detail.
Reckless parking can make life extraordinarily difficult for those with mobility or sight issues as well as many other pedestrians. It's right that we make it clear that bad parking is unacceptable.
After raising this issue for several years I am glad that we now have the power to act.''
Mr Mackay told MSPs at Holyrood that there were a number of issues which still require to be worked through'' with regard to Holyrood's ability to legislate in this area.
Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick has previously rule that the Bill is outside the current legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.
But Mr Mackay said an amendment had been laid to the Scotland Bill, which devolves a range of new powers to Holyrood, to change this.
The Transport Minister said: I can commit that this government, if re-elected, is intending to bring forward legislation in the next parliamentary session, which would begin with further consultation to ensure we get it right.''
He added: Whilst it may not be possible for the reasons given to legislate now before this Parliament concludes, the fact that there seems to be so much consensus shows we should take the issue forward.''
RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: Our research shows that Scottish residents do recognise pavement parking as an issue. A new survey conducted by the RAC found that nine in 10 motorists in Scotland were concerned about pavement parking, with 71% saying that vehicles blocked pavements in their neighbourhoods.
Drivers are, however, split on what they consider to be reasonable parking practice. Around 40% told us partially parking on a pavement is acceptable so long as access for pavement users is not affected, and a similar proportion said that vehicles should never be allowed to park on pavements.''