New parking rules in Scotland impose £100 fines

Starting today, drivers in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, could face a £100 fine for parking on sidewalks. New rules come into effect that enforce penalties for violating pavement parking regulations. North Lanarkshire Council announced that parking attendants will issue Fixed Penalty Notices to vehicles parked illegally on pavements. The focus will be on busy town centers and areas with high pedestrian traffic. With a population of about 341,400, many drivers may be affected by these new fines. This rule follows the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, which made pavement parking illegal in Scotland. Councillor Helen Loughran praised the legislation, noting it aims to make roads safer for pedestrians, especially those with visual impairments, families with children, and wheelchair users. Since January, drivers in North Lanarkshire have been warned but not fined for parking on the pavement. They received notices to remind them of the new rules. However, that leniency ends today, and drivers can expect fines for violations. If caught parking incorrectly, drivers can get a £100 fine. However, if they pay within 14 days, the fine can be reduced to £50. South Lanarkshire Council also introduced similar fines on March 17 after issuing over 2,000 warning notices this year. Transport Scotland stated that the new rules aim to ensure that roads and pavements are accessible for everyone.