A BAN on parking on pavements has been delayed for another year and a half, leading to fears disabled people are being left in dangerous situations.

The delay to fully implementing the ban is “unacceptable” and causing danger for many people, a Glasgow MSP has said.

The pavement parking ban included in the Transport Act, passed four years ago, has yet to come into force having been pushed back yet again by the Scottish Government.

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The legislation, once in place, will ban double parking, parking at dropped kerbs and parking on pavements.

People in parts of Glasgow have complained about pavement parking causing obstructions for wheelchair users, people with children in prams and people with visual impairment.

Pam Duncan Glancy, Glasgow Labour MSP, said there must be no more delays.

Glasgow Times:

Jenny Gilruth, transport minister, confirmed in a letter to the Glasgow MSP that it will be another year and a half before the ban is in place and enforceable.

The rules for exemptions should be finalised by the end of this year and then another year is allowed for councils to carry out assessments and put up signs.

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The minister said: “To confirm, there is no current legislation in place for pavement parking prohibitions.

“The Scottish Government is currently in the process of finalising the legislation regarding the exemption process which is scheduled to be laid in front of Parliament in September this year.

Glasgow Times:

“If passed by Parliament this process will be available for use by local authorities in December 2022 therefore allowing them to complete the assessment of their streets and install any signs and lines associated with exemptions by December 2023.

“I acknowledge that this was initially envisaged as coming into force in Summer 2023, however I am also acutely aware that we must get this right first time for everyone concerned.”

Work is also being done to finalise the system of councils issuing and collection fixed penalty notices and an appeals process for drivers who are fined.

Pam Duncan Glancy said: “This delay means my constituents, particularly disabled people and people with visual impairment, are facing unnecessary obstacles when trying to use pavements and get around their local communities safely.

“Wheelchair users need dropped kerbs to get off pavements, if pavements are blocked by vehicles, they are stuck, or have to dangerously try to get off a kerb.

“Parking on pavements make it incredibly difficult for people with guide dogs to get around too.

“People are forced into oncoming traffic because they can’t get by the vehicles blocking their paths, it’s dangerous and unacceptable.”