Campaigners are demanding urgent action from local authorities over what they label the "weak enforcement" of a major Scottish driving law, as new figures show the problem of pavement parking has actually worsened since its prohibition.
Survey Reveals Rising Problem Despite Legislation
According to the latest Scottish Walking and Wheeling Survey, 54% of Scots encountered cars parked on the pavement in 2025. This marks a significant increase from the 46% who reported the same issue back in 2023, the year the ban was introduced.
The legislation, which came into full effect on 11 December 2023, made pavement parking illegal across Scotland. Its primary goal was to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups such as those with mobility issues, visual impairments, and parents using pushchairs.
Impact on Vulnerable Pedestrians and Route Changes
The survey of more than 2,000 adults uncovered the tangible consequences of this ongoing issue. A quarter of respondents (25%) stated they have been forced to change their walking route because vehicles were blocking pavement access.
This directly impacts community health and mobility. The data indicates that 18% of people would walk or wheel more frequently if pavement parking was effectively reduced. Other significant barriers to walking cited in the survey included poor pavement conditions, general safety concerns, and inadequate access to local amenities.
Calls for Political Action Ahead of 2026 Election
With the 2026 Scottish Parliament election on the horizon, campaigners are pressing all political parties to commit to the full implementation of the ban. Ian McCall, Policy and Campaigns Officer at the organisation behind the survey, emphasised the wider benefits of safe walking.
"Walking has so many physical and wellbeing benefits, and creates healthier, happier communities," McCall said. "No one should be prevented from walking and wheeling due to the behaviour of others. Properly enforcing the ban will increase the accessibility of our streets and reduce road danger and traffic-related injuries."
He added that the campaign aims to highlight the barriers to safe walking and wheeling, urging all parties to prioritise street safety and accessibility in their upcoming manifestos.
