A BAN on drivers parking on Helensburgh and Lomond's pavements will come into effect by the end of this year.

Argyll and Bute Council's environment, development and infrastructure committee made the decision on Thursday, June 20 to improve road safety for vulnerable people.

The ban will apply across the whole of the council area, and the authority says more resources will be in place to support its enforcement.

The local authority has a small team of wardens carrying out enforcement on roads and in car parks.

Two new warden posts will be created to enhance the capacity of the team for enforcing the pavement parking ban and wider parking restrictions.

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The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 bans pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs. The regulations received parliamentary assent and came into force on December 11 last year.

As previously reported in May, research by Sustrans and Transport For All found 73 per cent of disabled people said the ban would be useful for them to walk or wheel more.

One person who took part in a workshop for the survey and has a guide dog, Clyde, said: “One of my biggest challenges is vehicles parking on the pavement, particularly near junctions.

“When Clyde takes me out round a parked car, I can’t tell if it’s just one car, or a whole line of them. I don’t know how long I will be on the road for, and traffic can be very busy.

“I often have to orientate myself back and start all over again, or just return home.

“Pavements should be for pedestrians, but traffic flow seems to be the main focus. My solution would be a complete ban on pavement parking."

One person who took part in a workshop for the survey and has a guide dog, Clyde, said: “One of my biggest challenges is vehicles parking on the pavement, particularly near junctions.

(Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson from Argyll and Bute Council said: "This type of parking can be dangerous. It forces vulnerable pedestrians, for example people with a visual impairment, wheelchair users, and parents and carers with children, off the pavement and into the road amongst vehicles.

"Charities have done research which clearly shows how many people’s lives are affected by it on a daily basis.

"Cars parked on pavements, or at dropped kerbs, can prevent people from getting out and about safely and independently.

"There’s also a financial cost too. Pavements aren’t designed to take the weight of vehicles and inconsiderate parking can contribute to the repairs required on our footways."