Pavement parking ban

Pavement parking is unsafe, unfair, and illegal. The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 bans pavement parking, double parking, and parking across dropped kerbs.

Why We Are Introducing the New Rules

The new rules make pavements safer for everyone. Here’s why:

• Parking on Pavements:
  • stops people from walking safely
  • is dangerous for people with disabilities and those pushing prams
  • damages pavements, making them trip hazards
• Double Parking:
  • makes it hard for vulnerable people to cross the road safely
• Parking at Dropped Kerbs:
  • stops people in wheelchairs from crossing the road

Enforcement

• Parking enforcement officers will issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs).
• The fine is £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
• From 1 July 2025 to 1 September 2025, drivers who park on pavements will receive a warning instead of a fine.

What is Not Allowed

You must not:

• Park on the pavement or grass verge
• Double park (park beside another car)
• Park across dropped kerbs used for crossing

Even if there’s nowhere else to park, these actions are now against the law. Parking attendants will be working across Fife.

Universal Application of Rules

These rules apply everywhere:

• to all public roads and pavements, including private roads, if pedestrians use them
• to everyone, including Blue Badge holders

There won’t be signs everywhere telling you not to park. The default rule is: no pavement parking is allowed anywhere, unless a sign states otherwise.

Exceptions

Some vehicles can park on pavements if:

• they are used for emergency services, roadworks, waste collection, or postal services
• they are used by doctors, nurses, or midwives for urgent care
• they are helping at an accident or breakdown
• they are delivering or collecting goods, but only for up to 20 minutes

These exceptions only apply if:

• the vehicle must be on the pavement to do its job
• the vehicle is not within 1.5 metres of the edge of the pavement
• the vehicle is parked for no longer than necessary

Exemption Orders

A street can be exempt if:

• at least 1.5 metres of the pavement is clear or
• parking on the street would block emergency vehicles

Some pavements have been identified for potential exemptions to the ban. These exemptions will be reviewed and finalised by area committees. Approved streets will have road markings and signs installed as required by law.