A South Lanarkshire Council van has been photographed parked on a pavement in East Kilbride, just days after the local authority began enforcing a ban on pavement parking. The incident was captured on Brisbane Terrace by an observant resident on Sunday, January 12, as wardens were seen issuing warning notices to vehicles parked illegally around the town. The enforcement of the Scottish Government’s national pavement parking ban began on January 6, with the aim of enhancing road safety for pedestrians.
Expressing their frustration, a resident shared with 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, assured that the matter would be investigated and appropriate action taken if necessary. He stated, “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.”
Drivers in South Lanarkshire are now facing fines of up to £100 for pavement parking, which can be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. The enforcement is in line with the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, which prohibits parking on the pavement, double parking, and parking at dropped kerbs intended for pedestrian safety. The council initially adopted a ‘soft’ approach to enforcement, placing warning signs on vehicles before implementing fines. Despite the support from road safety organisations and accessibility charities, concerns have been raised about the impact on drivers living in areas with limited on-street parking.
Local residents have highlighted their worries on social media, with discussions centred on the need for improved parking facilities and potential implications for emergency services access. Councillor Robert Brown emphasized the council’s focus on pedestrian safety, especially for individuals with mobility challenges. He mentioned a balanced approach to enforcement based on individual cases and reiterated that penalties collected would be reinvested in parking operations facing financial constraints.
Scottish Green Party councillor Kirsten Robb supported the initiative for enhanced pedestrian safety and encouraged exploring alternative transport options. She stressed the importance of investment in public transport, safer routes, and shared mobility schemes to reduce parking pressures and promote sustainable travel choices. The measures aim to create safer walking environments while addressing the parking challenges faced by communities in South Lanarkshire.