It is an offence under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 to park on pavements, double park, or park over dropped kerb pedestrian crossing points.
The parking prohibition was introduced by the Scottish Government to reduce obstruction of pavements for pedestrians, and in particular those with mobility issues or visual impairments, or parents pushing prams and buggies.
The law defines a vehicle as being parked on a pavement if the vehicle is stationary and one or more of its wheels are on any part of the pavement.
Parking on grass verges either between a pavement and the road, or to the rear of the pavement is also prohibited under this legislation.
These frequently asked questions may help:
Am I likely to be issued with a fine (PCN) if I park on the pavement, double park or park across a dropped kerb?
Yes, Parking Attendants will be patrolling all areas of the city, and Penalty Charge Notices may be issued at any time of the day. Please make sure you observe these rules to assist other road users, including wheelchair users and children in buggies to travel safely around the city.
What is the value of the fine?
The fine is £100 reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days of issue.
There is nowhere else to park, what can I do?
In some locations, some residents have felt they have had no option but to park on the footway. This is no longer legal. You will need to find alternative locations to park.
If I park on the road, I will block the traffic – what I am supposed to do?
In most cases, parking with all four wheels of your vehicle on the road carriageway should not block the road to other traffic. If that is the case, it would be advisable to park elsewhere because it is an offence to block traffic and Police Scotland may take action. It is recognised that more vehicles on the carriageway may serve to reduce overall traffic speed in some streets.
Can I park on a grass verge or grass strip?
No, the pavement parking ban includes grass verges so these must be avoided. As a rule of thumb, if a pedestrian can walk on it, it should be avoided.
I heard the rules did not apply when loading?
There is an exception in the rules that seeks to support some traders to continue making deliveries. This only applies to activity in the ‘course of business’ so does not apply to personal activities like unloading shopping or lifting young children out of a car. Delivery drivers can only park on the pavement when the following two conditions apply - 1) There must be no reasonable place to park fully on the road, and 2) there is still 1.5m of pavement width between their vehicle and any wall, fence or bush. If these two conditions apply, then the maximum length of time for the delivery driver being parked on the pavement is 20 minutes.
Can I drop a passenger off, or collect, on the pavement?
No, you shouldn’t drive on to the pavement to allow a passenger to board or alight your vehicle. If you are observed sitting behind the steering wheel, while parked on a pavement, a Parking Attendant will ask you to move before issuing a Penalty Charge Notice.
I only had one wheel on the pavement – will I get penalised?
Potentially yes, the law states that even one wheel on the pavement is enough to result in a Penalty Charge Notice being issued to your vehicle. Make sure you park with all four wheels on the road.
My pavement is really wide with room for both cars and pedestrians – why can’t I park there?
The guidance with the new legislation explains that exemptions should only be given in certain circumstances and pedestrians should be prioritised. If there is sufficient space on the carriageway for drivers to park, and still allow vehicles to pass, it is not appropriate to allow an exemption. Most pavements have not been designed to take the weight of vehicles and can be damaged by persistent pavement parking.
I live in a cul-de-sac and there are very few pedestrians – do the rules apply everywhere?
Yes, the new rules apply in all streets, irrespective of their design, length or purpose.
Do the rules apply on private roads or privately owned pavements?
Yes, if the road is available to pedestrians to use, the rules will apply irrespective of ownership.
I am a Blue Badge holder. Do these new rules apply to me?
Yes, all these rules apply. There are no exceptions for Blue Badge holders.
Is there going to be signage to show me where I can’t park?
No, the default position is that parking on the pavement is banned. Parking across dropped kerb crossing points is also banned. Signage will only be provided where there is a formal exemption to the rules.
Can I double park next to a Euro Bin?
No, at least one of your wheels must be within 0.5m of the kerb so if you park alongside a Euro Bin it is possible that you will receive a PCN. If you park alongside another vehicle (e.g. a car belonging to another family member) you are likely to receive a PCN also.
Can I park across my own driveway?
Potentially yes, if you are sure that the dropped kerb for the driveway does not also serve as a crossing point for pedestrians. You should not park across someone else's driveway.
How can I tell if the dropped kerb is used as a crossing point?
Generally, it will be clear because there will be no corresponding driveway or garage for a vehicle to enter. You should consider how a wheelchair user might want to cross from one pavement to another. If you are in doubt, it would be advisable to avoid the dropped kerb and park elsewhere.
Can my street be exempted from these rules?
A small number of pavements across Dundee have been identified as suitable for an exemption. These proposals can be viewed on the Footway Exemption Order 2023 (12MB PDF)
In time, if these exemptions are approved, signage will show drivers where they can park safely on the pavement.
If you would like your street to be considered for an exemption you can email pavementparking@dundeecity.gov.uk. Please title your email Exemption Request and then the street name e.g. Exemption Request – Dundee Road
How can I get the Parking Attendants to come and issue PCNs in my street?
If you are aware of a location which might be described as a Pavement Parking hotspot you can let us know by emailing pavementparking@dundeecity.gov.uk and identifying the location and a time when the contravention happens. Parking Attendants can then be deployed to that location if resources allow.
Pavement Parking Exemption Order Documents
Statement of Reasons (146KB PDF)
Plans of Proposals (All Roads/Streets) (12MB PDF)
Draft of Proposals (All Roads/Streets) - TBC