Starting Monday, 18 August 2025, Falkirk Council will begin enforcing new parking rules that could result in £100 fines for drivers who park illegally. These regulations, introduced under new traffic legislation from 2019 and 2023, are designed to improve pedestrian safety and ensure better accessibility across the region.
The changes are particularly important for residents with mobility impairments or visual challenges, as they aim to keep pathways clear for all users.
According to Birmingham Mail, these rules are part of a broader national effort to regulate parking and protect vulnerable pedestrians. Here’s an overview of what drivers need to know about these new parking rules.
New Parking Rules: What You Need to Know
The updated parking rules now make it illegal to park on pavements, on low verges adjacent to roads, or in ways that block dropped kerbs. Double parking is also prohibited under these new regulations. These measures are part of a broader initiative to protect pedestrians, particularly those with mobility impairments, visual challenges, and families with prams.
Council Leader Cecil Meiklejohn emphasised the importance of these changes, saying,
“Our pavements are vital pathways for pedestrians, especially those with mobility challenges and visual impairments. It’s important that motorists park considerately to ensure safe access for everyone. Last year, we started issuing advisory notices to help people understand the change. But enforcement is now necessary to protect pedestrians and improve safety across our communities.”
Motorists who violate the new parking rules will be subject to a fine of £100, marking a strict shift from previous advisory notices. This fine aims to ensure compliance with the rules and encourage responsible parking behavior. The enforcement is in line with similar measures seen across the UK, reflecting the growing emphasis on pedestrian safety.
Allan McBride’s Experience: The Impact of Illegal Parking
Allan McBride, a Falkirk resident who is severely sight-impaired, shared his personal experience regarding the dangers posed by cars parked on pavements.
McBride explained,
“I often plan my routes in advance to navigate public spaces safely. Parked cars on pavements can disrupt these plans, making it harder to get around and requiring me to step onto the road.”
For McBride and others like him, even small changes—such as keeping pavements clear—can make public spaces far more accessible.
This feedback highlights the significance of the new parking rules in protecting vulnerable pedestrians. The changes are not just about enforcing parking laws, but also about improving the overall safety and inclusivity of public spaces for everyone.
Streets Affected: Exemptions and Enforcement
While the new parking rules apply broadly across the Falkirk region, some roads have been identified as exceptions. These include areas like Netherby Road (Airth), Glenview Avenue (Banknock), and Skene Street (Bonnybridge). For drivers, it is crucial to familiarise themselves with which roads are exempted to avoid fines.
While the new rules apply broadly across Falkirk, there are some exemptions. Falkirk Council has identified a list of streets where enforcement may not immediately apply. These include:
- Netherby Road, Airth
- Hareburn Avenue, Avonbridge
- Glenview Avenue, Banknock
- Skene Street, Bonnybridge
- Bridgeness Lane, Bo’ness
In total, a number of streets in various towns across the region are considered for exemption from the full enforcement of the new parking rules. For drivers in these areas, it’s important to check for further updates to understand where the regulations apply and where they might not.
