Council to ban pavement parking from 1 April
Midlothian Council is to enforce a ban on parking on pavements and dropped kerbs and double parking.
To make streets safer
The measure has been introduced to make it easier for pedestrians and people with mobility issues to safely use streets in the county.
Offenders will be fined
From Monday 1 April, offenders face a £100 fine, which will be reduced to £50 if paid within the first 14 days.
Park considerately
Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for roads and pavements, Councillor Dianne Alexander said: “Every motorist needs to take heed and park considerately so as not to obstruct roads and pavements.
No excuses
“Our pavements are for pedestrians, not cars. If you cannot find a parking space other than by parking on a pavement, dropped kerb or double parking, the message is clear – park elsewhere or face a fine of £100.”
A graduated approach
Cllr Alexander went on to explain parking attendants and the council will be taking a graduated approach, explaining the new rules to motorists, residents and wider communities before they come into effect and immediately after to allow people to understand what’s expected of them.
Following Edinburgh and Dundee
Among other authorities to have introduced a ban since the legislation came into force in December 2023, are Edinburgh City Council and Dundee City Council.
More than 2,000 roads assessed
Approving the measures at the full Council meeting today (Tuesday), councillors heard 2,097 Midlothian roads were assessed in preparation for the new legislation to better understand parking behaviour and the impact of the new rules.