Pavement parking legislation

There is nowhere else to park, what can I do?
In some locations, some residents feel they have no option but to park on the footway. This is no longer legal. You will need to find an alternative location to park.

If I park on the road, I will block the traffic – what I am supposed to do?
In most cases, parking with all four wheels of your vehicle on the road carriageway should not block the road to other traffic. If that is the case, it would be advisable to park elsewhere because it is an offence to block traffic and Police Scotland may take action.

I only had one wheel on the pavement – could I still receive a Penalty Charge Notice?
Potentially yes, the law states that even one wheel on the pavement is enough to result in a Penalty Charge Notice being issued to your vehicle. Please make sure you park with all four wheels on the road. 

Can I pull over on the pavement to collect or drop off passengers?
No, you would be liable to receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

How can I find out if my street is exempt?
Check the list of proposed exempt streets.

These proposals were presented at the Community and Enterprise Committee meeting on 16 December 2025 and are subject of a full Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process, which can take up to 18 months, before they come into force.

Paper copies can also be made available on request by contacting the parking unit

Will it be obvious that a street is exempt?
Yes - each location will have similar signage to the below as well as a clear marking on the footpath allowing a 1.5m distance for pedestrians to pass.

If my street is made exempt, can I park on dropped kerbs and double park?
No - the exemption is in relation to pavement parking only.