Aberdeen to introduce pavement parking ban from next month

Pavement parking will be banned in Aberdeen from the start of July with any drivers caught breaking the rules facing a £100 fine.

The new rule bans pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs across the city.

Back in December, the Scottish Government introduced the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.

The legislation was created to improve accessibility on the streets, especially for those who are deemed to be ‘vulnerable’.

The rule will allow pedestrians to get about safely without worrying about bumping into parked vehicles.

While the act was announced in December, Aberdeen City Council has taken some time to officially enforce the rules.

Officers say finding a contractor to help with the work, along with a full assessment of the city’s pavements and roads had taken longer than expected.

The ban is currently in action at neighbouring Aberdeenshire Council.

But, pavement parking is currently monitored by police in Moray.

Council officers argue the change will result in the “appropriate” use of pavements in residential areas.

They say it will make walking in the city “attractive” for everyone, especially for those who rely on a wheelchair or parents with prams.

And they believe the change will allow people to “walk or wheel without having to fear they might encounter vehicular obstruction along the way”.

The local authority also hopes the new rule will help to increase walking and cycling in Aberdeen.

Just twelve streets across the city will be exempt from the new legislation.

On-street parking will still be allowed on the following streets:

Bedford Avenue, Cairngorm Gardens, Countesswells Road, Elm Place, Elmbank Terrace, Froghall Avenue, Great Northern Road, Hunter Place, Jackson Terrace, Leslie Road, Murray Terrace and South Square.

Pavement parking has been deemed suitable on these roads to ensure there is enough room for parked cars and access for emergency vehicles.

Streets where pavement parking is currently allowed have been reviewed but have not met the criteria for an exemption.

Some alternative traffic management measures may be introduced to ensure parking doesn’t become a problem in these areas.

Removing existing signs informing motorists of current pavement parking will cost the council around £3,000.

Aberdeen’s City Wardens will help to enforce the ban, alongside the local authority’s parking appeals and traffic management teams.

Councillor Kate Blake raised concerns that this new measure would stretch the city’s existing wardens as they have recently been tasked with increased patrols around Torry.

But, officers revealed there was “no intention” to increase the number of wardens.

They also assured her that any parking enforcement would be included as part of their usual duties as they circulate the city.

Councillors unanimously approved the ban, but asked that a report on the matter be issued in a year’s time to see its progress and if any other streets could be exempt.