Is Edinburgh's pavement parking ban working?

More than 100 drivers were caught out in the first week, with a handful also facing fines for dropped kerb or double parking, which have also been banned.

Scotland became the first country in the UK to introduce a ban in December, but enforcement across the country is set to vary widely.

The new rule in the capital has been brought in to make it easier and safer for disabled and elderly people to get around.

But how well has it gone down?

‘Preparation could have solved issues’

EDINBURGH - with its historic city centre and huge tourism draw - has had problems with pavement parking for decades.

Many streets across the city were not designed for car ownership and people have historically used pavements to make sure vehicles can pass down them safely.

As a result, the policy has been widely supported and, according to city councillors, the vast majority of drivers have complied.

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But in some narrow streets, problems have arisen and Danny Aston – the SNP group’s transport spokesperson - said this has occurred as a result of the Labour minority administration’s “failure to prepare” despite warnings.

He said the area of Portobello - which attracts tourists who want to visit the beach and shops - had some streets that were proving particularly problematic.

The ban on pavement parking is designed to help people with guide dogs (Image: City of Edinburgh Council)

“We are supportive of the policy and in 90% of streets it has come in and there has been minimal fuss,” Aston told the Sunday National.

“However, I do have some concerns which I raised before the ban came in that there has been a lack of preparatory work.

“There are a couple of streets in Portobello - Regent Street and Marlborough Street - which are very narrow and most people have at least one car.

“Now people have parked on both sides of the street and have blocked the road, which is what the administration thought wouldn’t happen.”

Aston said it was clear double yellow lines should have been put down in some streets before the ban came in and he fears the progressive policy could be tarnished by this lack of foresight.

“I think if a lot more preparation had been done this situation could have been avoided,” he added.

“Lots of people are worried about what will happen if there is a fire or someone has a heart attack.

“This is a progressive policy and it’s supported by disability advocacy groups, but I fear it could get tarnished as a result of a failure to prepare, and I lay that at the door of the administration.”

The council has said it is now looking to introduce double yellow lines in problem Portobello streets.

‘A blanket ban was the right call’

BUT despite some narrow streets presenting challenges, councillors have argued it was right to apply a ban to the entire city as opposed to some individual thoroughfares.

Kayleigh O’Neill, a Green councillor for the Forth ward, said exemptions would have diluted the policy and made it administratively complicated.

“I think there’s no other way you could have done it,” she said.

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“I know people raise issues with trying to get bin lorries through or emergency vehicles, but what I think we need to try and get a grip on is we just don’t need two lanes of cars in every street.

“It’s not going to be easy, we’re in that transition stage and I expect there to be more streets and problems that come up - but I think having a ban that’s overarching and is there for the good of the city is stronger.”

Sharing good practice

O'NEILL did, however, add that the council may need to consider better communicating alternative parking areas where there are consistent problems or showcase examples of where communities have got over the hurdle together.

She added: “I think there are some good examples out in West Pilton where the street came out almost in a community meeting and decided they were all going to park on one side.

Wardens have been patrolling streets in Edinburgh (Image: City of Edinburgh Council)

“I know that won’t be easy for everyone to do. I think the ban can feel quite daunting and targeted sometimes, but there needs to be a bit more communication from the council that explains the alternatives.

“It would be good to showcase the good examples of communities coming together and figuring it out before they resort to saying we need to change the policy.”

‘Awareness has been raised’

WHAT is clear is that a difference in people’s behaviour has been noticed. The number of fines issued dropped by nearly a quarter between Monday and Thursday last week, while councillors have said there was a notable change in the number of cars parked on pavements even prior to the ban coming in.

SNP City Centre councillor Finlay McFarlane said: “I think the awareness campaign [by Transport Scotland] has made people understand why it’s a problem.

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“One of the adverts put out was a bird's eye view of a lady pushing a pram and then having to go out onto the road, so I think there was an expansion of understanding among drivers who now realise the impact they are having and not just because they’re going to be fined.

“I think the people who campaigned for this, the organisations, should be feeling very satisfied. The credit all goes to them because I think other places will follow.

“I didn’t know that a guide dog would lead someone out into the road until we started having this conversation so the educational power of this, I think, is massive.”

Councillor Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener for the council, said: “We are well aware that in some streets, the impact of new pavement parking rules would be greater, which is why officers spent a great deal of time surveying over 5000 streets to ascertain problem areas.

“Officers have also been closely monitoring streets to check whether the changes are having unintended knock-on effects and if this is the case we could intervene, using available powers, to restrict inconsiderate parking.

"We’re already taking action on Marlborough Street and Regent Street in Portobello, and temporary double yellow lines will introduced in the streets from next week to ensure safe access for all vehicles.

“Ultimately these changes will make our streets safer and more accessible for everyone."