Pavement parking ban to start in South Ayrshire on 31 March 2025

The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 made parking on the pavement, dropped kerbs and double-parking illegal in Scotland.

South Ayrshire Council, through the Ayrshire Roads Alliance, will start to enforce the ban on 31 March 2025. Warning notices will be issued to motorists for the first four weeks before full enforcement begins in April.

The ban is being introduced as parking on pavements affects people on a daily basis. Pedestrians are often forced onto the road which increases the risk of accidents.

A penalty charge of £100 will be introduced for anyone parking on a pavement, double-parking, or parking on a dropped kerb (excluding driveways). This will be discounted to £50 if paid within the first 14 days.

If the fine remains unpaid or unchallenged a Charge Certificate could be issued which applies a 50% surcharge. Any outstanding debt would be passed directly to Sheriff Officers for collection.

Councillor Bob Pollock, Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: "Motorists that park on pavements are putting pedestrians at risk. It's particularly difficult for disabled people, and those with limited mobility to get past parked vehicles safely. Parents and carers with prams also have difficulty navigating cars on pavements.

"Other local authorities already enforcing the ban have noticed a marked improvement and I am hopeful we can replicate this in South Ayrshire."

Any streets that are deemed to be exempt from the ban will have signage installed. ARA will also monitor the effects of enforcement and will consider exemptions for streets where the ban leads to issues.

An enforcement protocol is set to be created which will outline procedures dealing with complaints or requests relating to pavement parking.