Drivers face £100 fine with new parking rules taking force from Monday

Drivers could be slapped with £100 penalties from next week as new parking rules will come into force from Monday. The "essential"traffic regulations that will make it an offence to park in four specific locations will be introduced for the first time in one part of the UK.

Falkirk Council will begin enforcing a ban on pavement parking from Monday, August 18, following new legislation introduced by the Scottish Government in 2019 and 2023. Under these rules, it becomes an offence to park on pavements, on grass verges beside roads, in a way that blocks dropped kerbs, or to double park. To help drivers adjust, the Council started issuing 1,800 warning notices from May 7, 2024, aiming to raise awareness before fines are imposed.

Starting 18 August 2025, drivers who park on pavements in the Falkirk Council area will face a £100 fine, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. Over the past year, officials reviewed all 2,360 roads in the region, with 21 streets considered for possible exemptions.

These locations won't see enforcement until the reviews are completed. Council Leader Cecil Meiklejohn said: "Our pavements are vital pathways for pedestrians, especially those with mobility challenges and visual impairments. It's important that motorists park considerately to ensure safe access for everyone."

"Last year, we started issuing advisory notices to help people understand the change. But enforcement is now necessary to protect pedestrians and improve safety across our communities."

Mr Meiklejohn added: "When vehicles block these spaces, people are forced into live traffic, often without warning or protection, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Pavement obstructions also block tactile cues like textured paving and kerb edges, making it harder to navigate safely and independently."

According to recent data, the UK now has 46.5 million licensed drivers-an increase of over two million in just two years. By the end of June 2024, the number of registered vehicles had reached 40 million.

Allan McBride, a Falkirk resident who is "severely sight impaired", frequently maps out his journeys beforehand to guarantee secure passage through public areas. "Parked cars on pavements can disrupt these plans, making it harder to get around and requiring me to step onto the road," he further cautioned.