Scottish parliament call for tougher parking controls

Irresponsible parking can make life difficult for wheelchair users

The Scottish parliament has been asked to back tougher measures to tackle irresponsible parking.

A private member's bill has been drawn up targeting parking on pavements, double parking and parking alongside kerbs which have been lowered for wheelchair users.

The bill has been tabled by Joe FitzPatrick, MSP for Dundee City West.

He said bad parking is a major safety issue and can block fire engines attending an emergency.

Mr FitzPatrick said his Responsible Parking (Scotland) Bill had the support of a number of groups, including Guide Dogs Scotland and Living Streets.

It is designed to help pedestrians, especially those with limited mobility, who have problems with vehicles blocking pavements.

The SNP MSP said: "It is clear that the current situation with complicated police enforcement isn't working. We need Scottish legislation that enables local authorities to take action against inconsiderate parking.

"Through this bill we can raise awareness amongst drivers and bring in clear guidelines to end pavement and dropped kerb parking."