Falkirk has joined Scotland’s crackdown on unsafe parking practices with its new pavement parking ban enforcement beginning 18 August 2025. The Scottish council is now issuing £100 fines for drivers who park on pavements, creating significant implications for motorists and pedestrians across the region. This landmark legislation represents a major shift towards prioritising pedestrian safety and accessibility in public spaces.
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced sweeping new parking restrictions across the country, and Falkirk Council has implemented these powers to create safer streets for all. Understanding these rules is essential for drivers who want to avoid penalties and contribute to safer communities. Let’s explore what this ban means, why it was introduced, and how it affects you.
Understanding the Pavement Parking Ban
On 18 August 2025, Falkirk Council began enforcing four primary parking prohibitions that were previously advisory only. These new rules make it illegal to park in specific ways that obstruct pavements and threaten pedestrian safety. The regulations apply to all streets across the Falkirk Council area, regardless of street design, length, or purpose.
The four key parking prohibitions are straightforward but essential. You cannot park with one or more wheels on any part of the pavement, even if you believe you have left sufficient space. Double parking, which means parking alongside or in front of other vehicles without permission, is now strictly forbidden. Parking more than 50 centimetres from the edge of the carriageway is prohibited, including parking across dropped kerbs at pedestrian crossing points. These restrictions apply whether you are present at your vehicle or not.
The financial consequences for breaching these rules are substantial. A full penalty charge notice costs £100, though the council offers a reduced rate of £50 if you pay within 14 days of receiving the notice. This financial incentive encourages prompt payment while remaining fair to first-time offenders.
Why Falkirk Introduced This Ban
The decision to enforce pavement parking restrictions stems from genuine concerns about pedestrian safety in the community. Vehicles parked on pavements create significant obstacles for vulnerable road users, forcing them into dangerous situations. People with visual impairments face particular challenges, as parked cars block the tactile cues they rely on for navigation, including textured paving and kerb edges.
Falkirk Council Leader Cecil Meiklejohn emphasised the safety rationale behind the enforcement: “Our pavements are vital pathways for pedestrians, especially those with mobility challenges and visual impairments.” This reflects the core purpose of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, which aims to create more accessible and safer streets for everyone.
Parents with prams and buggies, wheelchair users, and elderly residents all struggle when vehicles occupy pavement space. Rather than negotiating around a parked car, pedestrians must venture into live traffic, significantly increasing accident risks. This is not merely inconvenient; it represents a genuine safety hazard that can lead to serious injuries.
Local resident Allan McBride, who is severely sight impaired, highlighted how the ban improves his independence: “Parked cars on pavements can disrupt these plans, making it harder to get around and requiring me to step onto the road.” His testimony demonstrates how pavement parking affects quality of life for people with disabilities, restricting their freedom to move through their community safely.
The Road to Enforcement
Falkirk Council did not implement this ban overnight. Instead, the council followed a phased approach that began with awareness raising before moving to enforcement. From 7 May 2024, Falkirk Council issued advisory notices warning drivers about the impending rule changes. Over eighteen months, the council conducted extensive preparation, including road assessments to identify potential exemption areas.
The council assessed all 2,360 roads across the Falkirk Council area to determine which streets might require exemptions. Twenty-one streets were identified as potentially suitable for exemptions where parking on pavements might be permitted under specific circumstances. These exemptions only apply where pavements are sufficiently wide to maintain 1.5 metres of unobstructed space for pedestrian movement.
Specific streets with exemptions include locations such as Forgie Crescent and Torosay Avenue in Maddiston, Steps Street and Waverly Road in Stenhousemuir, and Hookney Terrace in Stoneywood. However, exemptions are not automatic; the council must confirm that street layouts can safely accommodate both parked vehicles and pedestrians.
What Counts as an Exception
Despite the strict nature of the ban, certain exceptions exist where pavement parking may be permitted under very specific circumstances. Emergency vehicles used for saving lives or responding to emergencies can park on pavements, but even these must maintain the 1.5-metre pedestrian safety clearance. Medical practitioners responding to genuine emergency situations also qualify for exemptions.
Delivery and collection vehicles qualify for limited exceptions during the course of business activities. However, strict conditions apply. There must be no reasonable alternative parking available on the roadway itself. Additionally, the pavement must have at least 1.5 metres of unobstructed width remaining for pedestrians. Personal activities, such as unloading shopping or removing children from cars, do not qualify for this exception, so residents cannot simply park on pavements for domestic purposes.
Vehicles undertaking essential works on roads or removing obstructions may also park on pavements when necessary, provided no other reasonable option exists and the safety clearance is maintained. The key principle underlying all exemptions is that pedestrian safety and accessibility must never be compromised.
Streets and Areas Exempt from Enforcement
Falkirk Council carefully reviewed streets across the region to identify areas where exemptions might apply. The council considered whether street layouts could safely accommodate both parked vehicles and pedestrians maintaining safe passage. A total of twenty-one streets were identified as potentially suitable for exemptions, though enforcement has been delayed in these locations pending final decisions.
In Falkirk town itself, Campfield Street and Russel Street were assessed for exemption status. Across Grangemouth, Abbotsford Drive, Bearcroft Gardens, and Maryflats Place underwent similar scrutiny. John Street in Haggs also received consideration, as did Forgie Crescent and Torosay Avenue in Maddiston.
The council’s approach to exemptions is cautious and evidence-based. Streets can only receive exemptions where the pavement’s physical characteristics genuinely allow safe coexistence between parked vehicles and pedestrians. Where streets lack sufficient width, exemptions cannot be granted regardless of resident requests.
Penalties and Payment Options
Understanding the penalty structure helps drivers appreciate the financial impact of non-compliance. A full Penalty Charge Notice issued for pavement parking totals £100. This substantial fine reflects the seriousness with which councils regard pedestrian safety violations. However, the council recognises that drivers may sometimes park illegally without understanding the new rules, offering an incentive for early payment.
If you receive a penalty notice, you can reduce it to £50 by paying within 14 days. This reduction represents a 50% discount for prompt payment, encouraging drivers to settle matters quickly. After 14 days, the full £100 penalty remains due, making swift action financially sensible.
The council employs parking attendants who patrol the area regularly, issuing Penalty Charge Notices to vehicles found in violation. You might receive a penalty notice at any time of day, as enforcement is not limited to business hours. The council’s commitment to consistent enforcement means that regular monitoring occurs throughout the week.
Common Questions About the Ban
Several practical questions arise regarding the new restrictions. If you cannot find parking on the road because space is limited, you cannot simply move to the pavement. The default position is that pavement parking is banned everywhere unless specific exemptions or local authority designations exist. You must find alternative parking, including nearby car parks or alternative streets where space permits parking completely on the carriageway.
Many drivers wonder whether having just one wheel on the pavement will result in a fine. Yes, even one wheel on the pavement is sufficient to attract a Penalty Charge Notice. The law states that having any part of your vehicle on the pavement constitutes a violation. This means you must park with all four wheels fully on the road surface.
Private roads and privately owned pavements are not exempt from these rules. If members of the public can access the road or pavement, the restrictions apply regardless of ownership. This applies equally to private residential streets and publicly owned highways.
The rules also apply to raised crossing points, where pavements have been raised to road level. Parking on these surfaces, even though they might seem like natural parking extensions, violates the regulations. Drivers must recognise the distinction between road surfaces and pavement areas.
Broader Context: Scotland’s Leadership on Parking Safety
Scotland has become the UK’s leader in addressing pavement parking, with the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 representing a significant legislative achievement. This legislation received unanimous cross-party support in the Scottish Parliament, reflecting broad recognition of pavement parking’s dangers.
Edinburgh led the way in enforcing these new rules, beginning fines on 29 January 2024. By 26 January 2025, Edinburgh had issued substantial numbers of Penalty Charge Notices including 5,098 for footway parking, 1,591 for dropped kerb parking, and 1,607 for double parking. These figures demonstrate the extent of previous illegal parking and suggest many drivers were unaware of or ignored pavement parking dangers.
The enforcement experience in Edinburgh provides encouraging evidence for communities nationwide. Since introducing the ban, Edinburgh has observed an overall decreasing trend in Penalty Charge Notices for pavement parking, with the exception of busier summer months. This suggests that driver behaviour is changing, with the enforcement approach successfully encouraging compliance.
Edinburgh’s Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Stephen Jenkinson noted: “Since we first introduced these changes one year ago, we’ve seen many residents and visitors modify their parking habits accordingly, with the problem of pavement parking disappearing in many streets across our city.” This feedback indicates that communities adapt relatively quickly to new parking restrictions when enforcement is consistent and fair.
Other Scottish councils have also implemented enforcement regimes. South Lanarkshire began issuing £100 fines from 6 January 2025, extending this significant safety measure across additional regions. Stirling had already commenced enforcement before Falkirk, creating a patchwork of implementation dates across Scotland during 2024 and 2025.
Impact on Vulnerable Road Users
The real benefit of pavement parking bans emerges when considering their impact on vulnerable road users. People with mobility challenges face constant barriers when pavements are obstructed by vehicles. Wheelchair users cannot navigate around parked cars and are forced to risk dangerous road crossings.
Blind and partially sighted individuals depend on consistent, unobstructed pavements for independent navigation. Pavement parking removes predictable routes, forcing vision-impaired individuals to venture into traffic they cannot see. This transforms everyday journeys into stressful and dangerous experiences. Guide Dogs Scotland has praised the pavement parking ban as a crucial victory for accessibility.
Parents with young children face difficult choices when encountering parked cars on pavements. Forcing a pram onto a busy road endangers children and creates unnecessary anxiety for carers. Young children cannot understand the risks of traffic, making this situation particularly concerning. Pavement obstructions effectively exclude parents and children from safe pedestrian movement.
Older adults with reduced mobility struggle to step off pavements safely when vehicles block their way. Falls represent a serious health risk for elderly people, with broken bones potentially changing mobility permanently. Pavement parking eliminates the safe routes older people need to maintain independence and community participation.
Practical Advice for Falkirk Drivers
Adapting to new parking rules requires understanding available options. Falkirk Council operates numerous car parks across the town, offering designated parking spaces for residents and visitors. Charges apply to some car parks during specific hours, whilst others remain free throughout the day. Checking your specific location helps you find affordable, compliant parking options.
The council provides free parking in many locations across the Falkirk area. Drossie Road offers 67 spaces with free all-day parking, whilst Meeks Road provides 337 spaces at similar rates. These facilities represent reasonable alternatives to pavement parking, though you may need to walk slightly further to reach your destination.
Blue badge holders receive significant advantages under the new system. Disabled users displaying valid Blue Badges can park free of charge in designated disabled spaces. This recognition of disabled people’s mobility needs ensures that the new restrictions do not disadvantage those with genuine accessibility requirements.
When parking on the road itself, ensure all four wheels remain on the carriageway. Do not allow any part of your vehicle to encroach onto the pavement or verge. If the road appears too narrow to permit safe parking without obstruction, you should look for alternative locations. This responsible approach protects pedestrians and protects you from penalties.
Reporting Violations and Support
Residents can report pavement parking violations directly to Falkirk Council. The council encourages community involvement, accepting reports at
parking@falkirk.gov.uk
. Providing specific location details and vehicle information helps parking enforcement staff prioritise compliance efforts effectively.
If you believe you have received an incorrect Penalty Charge Notice, you have the right to appeal. The council provides clear processes for challenging penalties where circumstances warrant review. However, appeals require genuine grounds; simply having parked illegally does not qualify as a valid defence.
Community support for the pavement parking ban runs surprisingly high. Polling data suggests that 65% of the public supports pavement parking restrictions, indicating broad public backing for enforcement. This suggests that most people recognise the safety benefits, even if implementation creates occasional inconvenience for drivers.
Wider UK Implications
Whilst Scotland has led the way, the rest of the United Kingdom remains comparatively behind. England and Wales have not implemented similar blanket bans on pavement parking, with London remaining the only English area where pavement parking has faced consistent legal restrictions. The absence of regulation in most English areas contrasts sharply with Scotland’s comprehensive approach.
Highway Code Rule 244 states that drivers “must not park partially or wholly on the pavement in London and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it.” However, recommendations carry less weight than legal prohibitions. Scotland’s Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 represents a genuine legal barrier rather than advisory guidance.
The contrast between English and Scottish approaches reflects different policy philosophies. Scotland has prioritised accessibility and pedestrian safety through legislation, whilst England relies more heavily on voluntary compliance and local initiatives. This divergence means drivers in different parts of the UK face fundamentally different legal environments regarding pavement parking.
As of June 2025, no areas outside London and Scotland have banned pavement parking nationwide. This positions Scotland ahead of the rest of the UK in terms of pedestrian safety legislation. However, calls for similar restrictions in English cities continue to grow, particularly from disability campaign groups and active travel organisations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I park partially on the pavement if I leave enough space for pedestrians?
No. The law prohibits parking with any part of your vehicle on the pavement, regardless of space available or pedestrian convenience. The default position is that pavement parking is banned throughout Falkirk unless specific exemptions apply to your street. Even pavements that appear wide enough for both parked vehicles and pedestrians cannot be used for parking unless your street has formal exemption status.
Q2: What should I do if the street is too narrow to park safely on the road?
If street width prevents safe road parking without obstruction, you should seek alternative parking locations. Falkirk operates numerous car parks throughout the town offering affordable or free parking options. Relying on pavement parking when road parking is genuinely impossible remains illegal and risks substantial fines. Planning ahead to use designated car parks represents the responsible approach.
Q3: Do the rules apply equally to private roads and pavements?
Yes, the pavement parking restrictions apply to both public and privately owned roads provided members of the public have access. This means private residential streets, business park areas, and other private locations must comply with the same restrictions as public highways. Ownership of the road does not create exemptions to the ban.
Q4: If I receive a Penalty Charge Notice, can I appeal it?
You can appeal if you have genuine grounds to believe the notice was issued incorrectly. Contact Falkirk Council’s parking team at parking@falkirk.gov.uk to discuss your situation. However, appeals must be based on legitimate concerns; simply disagreeing with the penalty because you parked illegally does not constitute valid grounds for appeal.
Q5: What counts as a legitimate exemption to the pavement parking ban?
Exemptions are limited to specific circumstances including emergency vehicles responding to emergencies, medical professionals responding to genuine medical emergencies, and delivery vehicles where no road parking exists and 1.5 metres of pavement clearance can be maintained. Personal activities like unloading shopping do not qualify. Falkirk has designated specific streets where exemptions apply, and these have formal signage indicating where parking is permitted on pavements.
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