Council van spotted parked on pavement in East Kilbride as wardens issue warning notices on newly enforced ban

East Kilbride: A South Lanarkshire Council van was spotted parked on a pavement, just after the council started enforcing a ban on pavement parking.

A local resident snapped a photo of the van on Brisbane Terrace while wardens were busy putting warning notices on other illegally parked cars. This enforcement began on January 6, aiming to make roads safer for pedestrians.

The resident expressed frustration, saying it felt unfair that council drivers seemed to be above the rules. Colin Park from the council assured that they would investigate the incident and take action if needed. He emphasized that council drivers must follow the same rules as everyone else.

The new law, part of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, makes pavement parking illegal, with fines of up to £100 for offenders. The council is trying to improve safety for pedestrians, especially those with mobility issues.

While many residents support the ban, some worry about the lack of parking alternatives in narrow streets. Local voices on social media have raised concerns about the impact on parking availability and emergency vehicle access.

Councillor Robert Brown acknowledged the challenge of balancing parking needs with pedestrian safety. He stressed that the goal is to ensure safe walking paths for everyone, especially those using wheelchairs or pushing strollers.

Scottish Green Party councillor Kirsten Robb also noted the ongoing issues with pavement parking and the need for better public transport options to ease parking pressure. She highlighted that the new rules are meant to keep pavements safe for all users.