A Dundee councillor has branded parking on city centre pavements an “insult”, as motorists attempt to avoid charges.
The NCP has noted an increase in drivers blocking pedestrian access at its car park at Willison Street.
To avoid paying for parking, drivers have continued to leave their vehicles on the pavements surrounding the car park, minimising the space for people to pass.
Attendants have been informed of the persisting issue by a number of residents, with councillors also sharing their frustration over the situation.
Councillor takes action
Maryfield councillor Lynne Short told The Courier she has reported the issue to the council parking team.
She said: “It is incredibly rude and one day I watched a driver actually mount the pavement and do this.
“I have written to Joe FitzPatrick MSP who has raised the timeline of guidance for the new pavement parking legislation.
“Not only is this type of parking an insult to those who have paid to park in the car park next to here but it is also a problem for those with prams, wheelchairs, and visual problems.”
Issue has become ‘progressively worse’
One member of the public also shared their experiences, arguing more must be done to penalise those at fault.
They said: “This has got progressively worse over the last six months.
“I was under the impression that physically driving on the pavement is against the law.
“As far as I’m aware, there are no rules to prevent people from parking on the pavement in Scotland.”
MSPs have been lobbying for a pavement parking ban for more than a decade.
The law was approved in 2019, with Michael Matheson MSP confirming that it will come into force next year.
The resident continued: “What they’re doing is blocking access for people walking through.
“It’s fine if you can walk through but it’s difficult for those in a wheelchair or pushing a pram.
“What they’re going to have to do is install bollards or signage to make sure that this comes to an end.”
Additional measures in place
Staff at the car park have been forced to put in place additional measures to stop drivers from parking beside pedestrian access points.
Grit and sands bins are in place, with the NCP confirming that additional steps are set to take place.
A spokesperson said: “Our local team understands the frustrations this is causing and will be carrying out a number of solutions to deter this going forward.
“We will review on a regular basis to ensure that the site is accessible for all.”
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