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EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL WILL BEGIN ISSUING WARNINGS TO DRIVERS FOR PAVEMENT PARKING AS RESTRICTIONS ON THE ANNOYING HABIT CONTINUE TO SPREAD NORTH OF THE BORDER. 11:19, 02 Jun 2025Updated

11:19, 02 Jun 2025 New parking rules launch today with motorists risking an "instant" £100 penalty.East Ayrshire Council will begin issuing warnings to drivers for pavement parking

as restrictions on the annoying habit continue to spread north of the border. Edinburgh and London already have strict punishments for drivers guilty of pavement parking. Now, East Ayrshire

has warned drivers can be fined for parking on pavements, dropped kerbs, or double parking within the region. Parking attendants will be able to issue an "instant" parking ticket

of £100 to drivers caught breaking the rules, although this can be halved to £50 if paid within 14 days. READ MORE SMART MOTORWAYS COULD BE SCRAPPED FROM ENGLAND ENTIRELY Councillor Jim

McMahon said: "We’re hoping that by starting with a phased approach to the enforcement, we will give people some time to get used to the upcoming official enforcement measures.

"Every driver is responsible for parking their vehicle considerately, and in a position that will not cause an obstruction to the pavement or road." Article continues below McMahon

added: "We want to provide a safe and accessible environment for everyone, especially those with sight impairments, mobility issues or anyone pushing buggies who will no longer need to

walk on the road." Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop warned that "the message here is clear, pavement parking is unsafe, unfair and illegal, and you could be fined up to £100 for

it". She said: "We’re highlighting the danger that illegal pavement parking poses to pavement users, and in particular those with mobility issues or visual impairments, or parents

pushing prams and buggies." Stephen Edwards, director of policy and communications at walking charity Living Streets, said: “We’re regularly contacted by disabled and older people who

feel trapped in their homes because there isn’t enough room on the pavement for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. “This has impacted more people during the pandemic, with blocked pavements

affecting everyone’s ability to physically distance.” Justine Roberts, founder and chief executive of Mumsnet, said: “Lots of us have occasionally parked a couple of wheels up on the

pavement to leave space on the road without really thinking about how it might inconvenience people. Article continues below “It’s a topic that comes up regularly on Mumsnet, where

wheelchair users and people with buggies share stories about being forced into the road, or having to double back long distances.”