Pavement parking legislation

Pavement parking is illegal in most situations. This means you should park with all four wheels on the road, not on the pavement. These rules help keep paths clear and safe for everyone, including people with prams, wheelchairs or mobility aids.

This page answers common questions about where you can park, what the rules mean for you, and how exemptions work.

I cannot find anywhere else to park. What can I do?
You still need to park legally. Parking on the pavement is not allowed, even if space is limited. You will need to find another safe and legal place to park.

If I park on the road, will I block traffic?
In most cases, parking fully on the road will not block traffic. If your vehicle blocks the road, this may be an offence and Police Scotland may take action.

If parking safely is not possible, you should park somewhere else.

What if only one wheel is on the pavement?
Even one wheel on the pavement can lead to a penalty charge notice. Always park with all four wheels on the road unless signs say otherwise.

Can I stop on the pavement to pick up or drop off passengers?
No. You should not stop on the pavement for any reason unless the area is clearly marked as exempt. You may receive a penalty charge notice if you do.

How do I know if a street is exempt?
Some streets may be exempt from the pavement parking ban. You can check the list of proposed exempt streets or contact our parking team.

Exemptions are not final until the legal process is complete.

Exempt streets will be clearly marked with:

• road signs
• markings showing where vehicles should park

Are other types of parking still restricted?
Yes. Even in exempt areas, you must not:

• park across dropped kerbs
• double park

Need help?
If you have questions or want to check exemptions, contact our parking team.