Latest news with #ChargeNotices
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Scots drivers face fines for breaking new parking rules from this month
Drivers in parts of Scotland will now be fined if they are caught flouting new parking restrictions. From, Monday, July 7, motorists who park on pavements, dropped kerbs or are caught double parking in East Ayrshire will be slapped with parking tickets - also known as Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). Drivers will be expected to pay £100 which is reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. The ban applies to parked and stationary or idling vehicles on private and public roads, where one or more wheels are on the footway. The restrictions were phased in from Monday, June 2, when warning notices were issued to drivers who were caught breaking the rules. During that period, 900 warnings were handed to drivers in the area. Legislation introduced by the Scottish Government in 2019 introduced a ban on pavement parking and gave local authorities more power to enforce it. Local authorities were given permission to decide if the measures would be implemented and when. So far they have been enforced in areas including Stirling, East Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, Glasgow, and Perth and Kinross. The goal behind the legislation is to ensure that pavements and roads are safer and more accessible to all as parking on pavements prevents people from walking safely down streets. Councillor Jim McMahon, cabinet spokesperson for housing, transport and communities, said: 'The council has a duty to enforce these parking regulations and we hope that bringing the enforcement into full effect will help to create a safer and more accessible environment for everyone, especially those with sight impairments, mobility issues or anyone pushing buggies or prams. 'It's every driver's responsibility to park their vehicle considerately, and in a way that will not cause an obstruction to the pavement or road. 'We will continually monitor the effects of the enforcement to ensure compliance with the Act and the continued promotion of road safety across East Ayrshire.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Ayrshire Road Alliance warned drivers of the changes on social media on Sunday, June 2. Posting alongside details about the enforcement, they wrote: "Help us make East Ayrshire a safer and more accessible place for everyone by parking responsibly." According to Ayrshire Road Alliance there is an exception in the rules that seeks to support some traders to continue making deliveries. This only applies to activity in the 'course of business' so does not apply to personal activities like unloading shopping or lifting young children out of a car. Delivery drivers can only park on the pavement when the following conditions apply: there must be no reasonable place to park fully on the road there must be 1.5m of pavement width between their vehicle and any wall, fence or bush. If these conditions apply, then the maximum length of time for that the delivery driver can be parked on the pavement is 20 minutes.
Daily Record
03-07-2025
- Daily Record
Skye tourists slapped with £400,000 fines over illegally parked cars at beauty spot
The Highlands council is cracking down on poorly parked motors. More than £400,000 of fines were issued last year at one of Scotland's most iconic beauty spots in a council crackdown on illegal parking. Special teams of wardens were drafted into Skye to tackle what the council describe as "problem parking" by both tourists and locals. A total of 7,011 parking penalties were issued in 2024 - more than double the 2,784 served to motorists in 2020. Poor parking has been a long-standing problem on Skye, with cars and other vehicles often abandoned at the roadside or parked illegally in passing places near attractions such as the Fairy Pools and the Storr. There were 2,797 penalty notices issued in 2021, 3,545 in 2022 and 5,563 in 2023. Already this year more than 2,670 have been issued up to May. Skye is one of the Highland's and Scotland's most popular destinations attracting thousands of visitors each year from across the world. For most the easiest way to get there is by car. Fines totalling £430,000 were handed out in the most recent financial year - April 2024 to March this year. At a car park at The Storr 948 parking tickets were issued totalling £56,350, while 184 notices totalling £10,250 were given out at the Fairy Pools. Another parking blackspot for motorists was the Quiraing on the north of Skye A Highland Council spokesperson said:'There are a number of factors that have contributed to the increase of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued on Skye over the last five years which include an increase in the regulated parking areas, an increase in parking restrictions and no waiting restrictions in key locations to prevent routes being obstructed and an increase in the number of Parking Enforcement Officers. 'Areas that generate high PCN numbers are around key visitor locations, and it is likely that a significant proportion of the PCNs issued on Skye are to visitors at these locations "'Parking rule breaking is a concern and the seriousness of this can depend on the area and frequency. In many areas, it can cause safety issues, block traffic, and create challenging situations for pedestrians and drivers." Fines cost £50 but can rise to £150 if not paid after 70 days. A report to Highland Council Isle of Skye and Raasay committee said an average 70% of parking fines were paid with others having to be written off or pursued through legal or court action. The worst offending area last year was in a car park in Skye's capital Portree where 1,346 tickets were issued totalling £81,850. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. However concerns were expressed yesterday that the parking crackdown could deter tourists from visiting Skye and contributing to the local economy. Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The Automobile Association, said; "Local councils need to get the balance right when it comes to parking enforcement. "Clearly, illegal and anti-social parking should be punished, but if there is concern that drivers are picking up fines due to issues, such as unclear signage or non-working payment machines, then that needs investigating. "Tourism, particularly in Skye, is vital to the local economy and aggressive parking management could deter visitors from returning in the future." Scottish Tourism Alliance chief executive, Marc Crothall, said tourists made a "significant contribution" to island economies like Skye He added:" Total tourism spend in Scotland last year was £10.5bn and this helped to support local shops, pubs, restaurants, and 245,000 jobs across the country. Many of those who visit and stay in rural destinations also donate to good causes too."
Daily Record
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Pavement parking enforcement in East Ayrshire starts next week with 900 warning dished out to locals
More than 900 warning notices were issued to motorists in East Ayrshire ahead of the enforcement of the new pavement parking rules. East Ayrshire Council are set to begin enforcing new pavement parking restrictions from Monday, July 7. More than 900 warning notices have been issued to drivers since Monday, June 2 after the council announced they would phase in the enforcement of the new legislation in May. Parking tickets - also known as Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) - will now be issued to motorists who park on pavements or dropped kerbs or are caught double parking from Monday. Drivers caught flouting the rules will be liable to pay £100 which is reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. Legislation introduced by the Scottish Government in 2019 introduced a ban on pavement parking and gave local authorities more power to enforce it. The goal behind the legislation is to ensure that pavements and roads are safer and more accessible to all as parking on pavements prevents people from walking safely down streets. Pavement parking can also prevent access to pavements for people with disabilities or those pushing prams or buggies and it can cause damage which is expensive to repair. Double parking makes it more dangerous for vulnerable people or people pushing buggies or prams to cross the road safely as well as causing traffic congestion. Councillor Jim McMahon, cabinet spokesperson for housing, transport and communities, said: 'The council has a duty to enforce these parking regulations and we hope that bringing the enforcement into full effect will help to create a safer and more accessible environment for everyone, especially those with sight impairments, mobility issues or anyone pushing buggies or prams. 'It's every driver's responsibility to park their vehicle considerately, and in a way that will not cause an obstruction to the pavement or road. 'We will continually monitor the effects of the enforcement to ensure compliance with the Act and the continued promotion of road safety across East Ayrshire.'
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
New Blue Badge parking space finder to help millions of people across UK
More than 3.2 million Blue Badge holders across the UK can now use a new online tool to help them find a free, designated parking bay anywhere in Scotland, England and Wales. New analysis by has revealed that for every Blue Badge parking bay there are 52 scheme users - travelling as a driver or a passenger - potentially competing for each space. While the chances of every Blue Badge holder trying to use all 63,000 parking spaces at the same time is unlikely to happen, the grim reality is that Blue Badge parking space s are not always available when someone needs to use one. To help permit holders find Blue Badge bays in any part of the country - particularly handy if you're travelling somewhere unfamiliar - has created an online tool to help people find them, just by entering a postcode. Blue Badge holders and parking bays across UK As of 2024, the number of Blue Badge spaces and permit holders across the UK, includes: Scotland Number of Blue Badge holders: 271,966 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 16,808 England Number of Blue Badge holders: 2,635,428 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 43,604 Wales Number of Blue Badge holders: 219,614 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 2,588 Northern Ireland Number of Blue Badge holders: 149,038 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: Not available When it comes to the number of Blue Badge spaces available for those who need them, it's also important to be aware of the growing number of people wrongly using the designated parking spot. There have been 705,310 PCNs (Penalty Charge Notices) distributed for the misuse of Blue Badge parking bays. Blue badges are designed to make life easier for people with mobility issues, but for many, finding a space can sometimes be tricky. A survey found that a third (36%) of Blue Badge holders said they have turned up somewhere needing to park, only to find someone without a Blue Badge already in the space. Around the same number (34%) said there simply aren't enough accessible spaces in their area. When there's no space available, two-thirds (65%) said they have had no choice but to park in a standard space. But that doesn't always work - especially when extra room is needed to get out of the car. Worryingly, two-in-five (40%) have even had to leave a car park altogether because there were no accessible bays free. A third (36%) said they have avoided visiting certain places because they weren't sure they'd be able to park nearby. In response to their findings, have created a look-up tool to help Blue Badge holders find out how many designated parking bays are available in their local council area. Users can also use the tool to look up Blue Badge spaces in their area using the map online here. Commenting on the findings, Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at car insurance, said: 'Blue Badge parking spaces are essential for millions of drivers across the UK, but our latest research shows how easily that system struggles. 'This is especially highlighted when there isn't enough availability, and other drivers take advantage of the spaces. Shockingly, for every one Blue Badge parking bay in the UK, there are 52 permit holders who need access to it. 'If you're using a Blue Badge space without needing one, even for just a few minutes, you could be stopping someone from being able to work, shop, or attend a medical appointment. It's clear that more needs to be done, both to increase the number of accessible bays and to prevent misuse. 'If you're caught using a Blue Badge space without a permit, you could receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) costing between £70 and £100.'
Daily Record
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
New Blue Badge parking warning to over three million users across the UK
There are currently over 3.2 million Blue Badge holders in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For every designated Blue Badge parking bay in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are currently 52 permit holders requiring access, warns after analysing new data obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to UK councils. The data revealed there are currently over 3.2 million Blue Badge permit holders in the UK, in comparison with 63,000 designated Blue Badge parking bays. Due to rising demand for accessible parking, m has created an online tool to help people find the nearest one - whatever their location. That's as the rate of new applications for Blue Badge permits has increased by 31 per cent between 2022 and 2024. In total, 1.3m new applications were made between 2022 and 2024, on top of the 1.5m renewal applications also made for existing holders. research also found that of the 2.8m applications made between 2022 and 20249 for both new and renewals, 245,566 were rejected. These were recorded for several reasons, including: Blue Badge holders and parking bays across UK As of 2024, the number of Blue Badge spaces and permit holders across the UK, includes: Scotland Number of Blue Badge holders: 271,966 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 16,808 England Number of Blue Badge holders: 2,635,428 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 43,604 Wales Number of Blue Badge holders: 219,614 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 2,588 Northern Ireland Number of Blue Badge holders: 149,038 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: Not available When it comes to the number of Blue Badge spaces available for those who need them, it's also important to be aware of the growing number of people wrongly using the designated parking spot. There have been 705,310 PCNs (Penalty Charge Notices) distributed for the misuse of Blue Badge parking bays. Blue badges are designed to make life easier for people with mobility issues, but for many, finding a space can sometimes be tricky. A survey found that a third (36%) of Blue Badge holders said they have turned up somewhere needing to park, only to find someone without a Blue Badge already in the space. Around the same number (34%) said there simply aren't enough accessible spaces in their area. When there's no space available, two-thirds (65%) said they have had no choice but to park in a standard space. But that doesn't always work - especially when extra room is needed to get out of the car. Worryingly, two-in-five (40%) have even had to leave a car park altogether because there were no accessible bays free. A third (36%) said they have avoided visiting certain places because they weren't sure they'd be able to park nearby. In response to their findings, have created a look-up tool to help Blue Badge holders find out how many designated parking bays are available in their local council area. Users can also use the tool to look up Blue Badge spaces in their area using the map online here. Commenting on the findings, Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at car insurance, said: 'Blue Badge parking spaces are essential for millions of drivers across the UK, but our latest research shows how easily that system struggles. 'This is especially highlighted when there isn't enough availability, and other drivers take advantage of the spaces. Shockingly, for every one Blue Badge parking bay in the UK, there are 52 permit holders who need access to it. 'If you're using a Blue Badge space without needing one, even for just a few minutes, you could be stopping someone from being able to work, shop, or attend a medical appointment. It's clear that more needs to be done, both to increase the number of accessible bays and to prevent misuse. 'If you're caught using a Blue Badge space without a permit, you could receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) costing between £70 and £100.'
