THE Highland Council’s parking enforcement team are reminding drivers that from next week, they will be enforcing the new pavement parking ban.

Local authorities were given new powers to stop vehicles from parking on pavements by the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, which came into effect in December.

The rules are designed to protect pavement users – especially those on wheelchairs or pushing buggies – who may be forced onto the road by vehicles taking up the pavement.

Drivers who park on the pavement could be fined £100, reduced to £50 if they pay within 14 days.

Highland Council follows the City of Edinburgh Council, who made the decision to become the first city in Scotland to enforce a ban on pavement parking, starting on January 29.

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Highland drivers will face fines from February 1.

Chair of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee, councillor Ken Gowans said: “Many people face daily difficulties with pavement parking. It is dangerous and frustrating, especially for those with impairments or limited mobility. It can force people to take unnecessary risks.

"For example, people using wheelchairs and buggies or prams without access to dropped kerbs can be forced onto the road, risking their safety.

“Since December our parking enforcement team have been issuing warning notices to drivers caught breaking the law but during February 2024, they will be taking full enforcement action. Anyone parking on a pavement risks a fine of £100 or £50 if they pay it within 14 days.

“Details about the new regulations have been provided on the council’s website so I urge all drivers to make themselves familiar with the information. We hope everyone will consider others and there will be limited need for enforcement.”

The team have provided information on the rollout of enforcement on the council’s website.