A frustrated resident has called on East Renfrewshire Council to begin enforcing a ban on pavement parking “sooner rather than later” and “before somebody gets hurt”.

New legislation came into effect in December 2023, making parking on pavements, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs an offence, in order to improve accessibility and ensure walking and wheeling is not obstructed by parked vehicles.

Under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, councils now have the power to fine drivers for breaking these rules.

In January, Edinburgh became the first local authority to enforce the ban on pavement parking, but while there are others who have followed suit, ERC has not yet set a date for enforcement to be introduced.

A Barrhead resident, who asked not to be named and who helps an elderly relative in the town, told the Barrhead News: “I’ve had quite a few issues with this, so I was hoping it was going to be done sooner rather than later.

“It affects me on a personal level because I see first-hand why the legislation was brought in, to protect vulnerable road users like kids getting pushed in buggies and people in wheelchairs so they are not getting put out on the danger on the road.

“I just don’t see why the council wouldn’t want to implement that at the earliest possible opportunity.

“My concern is, is it going to be before somebody gets hurt, knocked down or something before they start taking it seriously?

“I wouldn’t like to think that they would look back in hindsight and think they could have done something when they had the opportunity and didn’t.”

Neighbouring Glasgow City Council introduced enforcement last month and Renfrewshire will enforce the new legislation from November.

Guidance on ERC’s website meanwhile states “We're making plans to enforce the new legislation and will start enforcement at the earliest possible time".

“I feel they (ERC) are not looking out for the vulnerable people who use the road that the legislation was brought in for,” added the 54-year-old resident whose concern is increasing as the darker nights draw in.

“It could potentially save someone from serious injury or save a life.

“I just thought the council would have been a bit more proactive regarding it and I just don’t understand why.

“I just don’t see why East Renfrewshire is different from the other councils which are neighbouring.”

The guidance on the local authority’s website, last updated in August, also explains that there are a number of processes that have to be undertaken before enforcement begins including the need for a contractor to make changes to the hand-held devices used by parking enforcement officers.

“We are part of a collaboration group which includes Glasgow City Council, North Lanarkshire and Dunbartonshire, who are all reliant on the same PCN system being updated,” it adds. “We'll update this webpage with further details when dates have been agreed.”

The guidance also states that the council is in the process of assessing all streets across East Renfrewshire in order to identify locations where vehicles are parking on the pavement and to determine if they meet the criteria allowing them to be considered for exemption.

Councillor Andrew Morrison urged for a "pragmatic approach" to be taken with the new rules.

He said: “East Renfrewshire Council already had several projects ongoing to look at road safety in a more holistic manner, targeted to known problematic areas, and this national directive is simply adding to the workload over and above what we wish to do locally.

“At present, there are instances of inconsiderate and dangerous parking taking place which is not necessarily parking on pavements and wardens are finding the workload difficult within their small team. 

"Inconsiderate parking outside the new Neilston Campus at drop-off and pick-up times is a particular issue raised with me often.

“I therefore ask that a pragmatic approach is taken with these new rules in order to balance access, pedestrian safety and residents' needs along with the existing demands placed upon enforcement officers because they need to be focused on where the trouble hotspots are.”

Once enforcement of the pavement parking ban begins, the council will begin issuing penalty charge notices set by legislation at £100 and reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

Asked about their plans to enforce the ban, on Friday an East Renfrewshire Council spokesperson reiterated "We're making plans to enforce the new legislation."

“Once the necessary processes and procedures are in place, we'll start enforcement at the earliest possible time,” they added.

“We're in the process of assessing all streets across East Renfrewshire in order to identify locations where vehicles are parking on the pavement, and to determine if they meet the criteria allowing them to be considered for exemption."