Residents are frustrated as East Renfrewshire Council lags behind Glasgow on enforcing pavement parking rules
Barrhead: So, it looks like East Renfrewshire Council is really dragging its feet on the whole pavement parking ban thing. Starting January 29, Glasgow will start handing out fines for illegal parking on pavements, but ERC hasn’t even set a date yet. It’s a bit frustrating, right?
The Scottish Government made some changes to the law late last year to tackle this issue. They want to make sure that people can walk and wheel around without being blocked by parked cars. It’s all about making things easier for everyone.
Now, councils can fine drivers who park where they shouldn’t. But here we are, over a year later, and ERC still hasn’t jumped on board. Barrhead News reached out to them for an update, and they said they’re still figuring things out.
A spokesperson mentioned they’ve assessed the streets and are chatting with emergency services about which ones might be exempt. But come on, it’s been ages! They promised to let us know when they have a date, but it feels like they’re just stalling.
Once they do get around to it, fines will be £100, but you can get it down to £50 if you pay within two weeks. A local resident, who helps out an elderly relative, expressed their disappointment, saying ERC hasn’t shown much urgency in implementing this law.
They pointed out that if Glasgow can do it, why can’t ERC? It’s really letting down vulnerable road users, especially those in wheelchairs or parents with prams. Michael McEwan from East Renfrewshire Disability Action echoed these sentiments, saying it’s about time they got on with it.
He shared how he’s seen the struggles people face with illegal parking on pavements. It’s not something you think about until you experience it yourself. He recalled walking with a visually impaired friend and realizing just how tough it can be.
A council spokesperson reassured everyone that they take road safety seriously. They’ve assessed over 1500 streets and are working on finalizing the exempt streets. They promise to announce enforcement dates as soon as they can. Let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later!
