Irresponsible parking which causes safety problems for pedestrians is being taken on at Holyrood by a campaigning MSP.
The SNP’s Sandra White is introducing a Member’s Bill, which would ban double parking and make it an offence to park on footways and dropped kerbs.
The Footway and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill is supported by Guide Dogs Scotland and Living Streets, a charity that works to improve public space for pedestrians.
Ms White said: “The Bill will place restrictions on pavement parking, dropped kerb parking and double parking in order to ensure free movement for pedestrians, especially those with mobility issues or visual impairment.
“For the thousands of people affected by irresponsible parking, who cannot get about and lead their daily lives, this Bill will provide legislation which will be enormously important and will make a huge positive difference to them.”
Jane Horsburgh, of Guide Dogs Scotland, said the current situation means that “everyday trips to shops and local services can be a nightmare”, particularly for people with disabilities.
She added: “For the all vulnerable pedestrians who find blocked pavements challenging or dangerous to navigate this legislation has been a long time coming.”
Living Streets Scotland director Stuart Hay said pavement parking is the “number one complaint” at the charity.
However, critics say bringing in such legislation could mean streets are inaccessible to emergency services as not half parking on pavements leaves them blocked off to larger vehicles.