Drivers who park on pavements in Renfrewshire – which don’t qualify for an exemption – face being fined £100 from November.

Local authorities have already been given powers to enforce a ban on parking on pavements, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs.

The aim of the Scotland-wide legislation is to prevent inconsiderate parking that forces pedestrians onto the road and increases the risk of accidents.

Renfrewshire Council has confirmed its intention to begin enforcement from November. A penalty charge notice of £100 will be issued but halved if paid within a fortnight.

However, exemptions can be granted in streets where there’s not enough space for emergency vehicles to achieve access without vehicles parking on the pavement or where there is at least 1.5 metres for pedestrians when a vehicle is parked on the pavement.

The local authority has assessed all roads and pavements and identified 22 locations that are being proposed for exemption.

At each location, it has carried out an equality impact assessment to consider specific safety and accessibility issues.

A statutory consultation process is under way, which involves publishing the traffic order for comment for 28 days.

We previously reported the list of streets set for exemption. They are listed HERE.

The council cannot accept suggestions of other locations for consideration as it has assessed all locations against the criteria.

Councillor Will Mylet, who represents Paisley East and Central, said: “I would encourage people to take part in this consultation because I believe it’s going to be a big issue for specific streets across Renfrewshire.

“For example, where there are two rows of cars parked where if one didn’t park on the pavement basically you wouldn’t have a road – it would be impossible to get by.

“I’m not sure if this is going to displace parking to other streets, that’s something that will need to be taken into account.

“People need to be able to access pavements safely, they shouldn’t have to go on the road to navigate part of their normal journey, but there needs to be a common sense approach.”

The ban still allows emergency services, works and delivery vehicles exemptions for a short time where necessary.

Before enforcement begins, the council will raise awareness of the rules and how people can report inconsiderate parking.

The consultation period closes on Wednesday, September 11. Comments can be submitted by emailing ei@renfrewshire.gov.uk or writing to the council’s director of environment, housing and infrastructure at Renfrewshire House.

For more information visit renfrewshire.gov.uk/new-parking-laws.