Scottish government in push to ban pavement parking

Parked cars on pavements can cause problems for pram-pushers, wheelchair users and guide dog owners

The Scottish government has pledged to push ahead with legislation to make it an offence to park on pavements.

Ministers want to legislate to prevent parked cars from causing a problem for guide dog owners, wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs.

There is dispute over whether Holyrood has the power to change the law, with talks with the UK government under way.

Transport minister Derek McKay said the issue should be addressed by the next government, if not this term.

He said if the matter cannot be dealt with by the current administration, it should be championed by any incoming government after next year's Scottish Parliament elections.

He said: "I'm giving a commitment from this government, that if we are re-elected we will legislate on this area.

"But what I'm also doing is working on a cross-party basis to flag up to everyone that if we have consensus from parliament, any incoming government might wish to legislate."

Consultations on the matter have previously won broad support in Scotland, but confusion remains over which parliament has jurisdiction.

Action against pavement parking has also been examined in England and Wales, but talks have been held over giving MSPs power to change the law on the issue.