FIGURES from the first year of Edinburgh’s pavement parking ban have been released showing a huge number of fines handed out.
The legislation that allows parking attendants to fine motorists parked on pavements was introduced on 29 January last year with the capital becoming the first city in Scotland to ban it outright.
Since the rules were introduced a whopping 5,153 fines have been handed out to motorists parked on pavements.
Fines for pavement parking range from £50 – £100, but if paid in the first 14 days then motorists are charged a set rate of £50.
An additional 1,612 fines have been issued for dropped kerb parking and 1,629 for double parking.
The new parking restrictions were introduced after a slew of complaints about parked cars blocking walkways.
Motorists parking on pavements acutely impacts those in wheelchairs, the blind and parents with buggies as well as damaging pavements and walkways.
The rules appear to be having the desired impact though, with an overall downwards trend in fines issued being observed, suggesting that less motorists are taking the risk on pavements since the introduction last January.
A total of 8,394 fines have been issued under the new rules equating to £419,700 in payments, assuming the fines were all paid within two weeks.
If the fines were all paid two weeks after issue though, this would cost Edinburgh motorists a whopping £839,400.
Transport and environment convener, councillor Stephen Jenkinson, said: “Since we first introduced these changes one year ago, we’ve seen many residents and visitors modify their parking habits accordingly, with the problem of pavement parking disappearing in many streets across our city.
“The overall gradual decrease in penalty charge notice fines for pavement parking also shows we’re headed in the right direction – ultimately, we want to see zero fines.
“Every driver is responsible for parking their vehicle considerately, and where this would not cause an obstruction to the pavement or road.
“We brought the pavement parking ban in to provide a safe and accessible environment for everyone, especially those with sight impairments, mobility issues or pushing buggies.
“We’ve also heard from many people who really appreciate clearer, wider pavements and who no longer need to walk on the road as a result of the ban.
“I’m proud that we took this decision to make our streets as safe and accessible as possible – and that local authorities across Scotland are now looking to Edinburgh’s lead and implementing schemes of their own.”
