A decrease in penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued, and an increase in awareness, is thought to have resulted in a reduction in illegal pavement parking, the Net Zero, Environment, and Transport committee heard today.
The overall number of monthly penalty charge notices for pavement parking has reduced from around 350 in July and August 2024, to 141 in March 2025, and 111 in April 2025.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “Pavements are for pedestrians, including people using wheelchairs and buggies. The pavement parking ban was introduced to make pavements safer and more usable.
“It is good to see the reduction in the number of fines issued since the introduction of the ban. This shows many of the small minority of drivers who used to park on pavements are no longer doing so.”
Committee Vice Convener Councillor Miranda Radley added: “Pavement parking can cause obstructions forcing people with wheelchairs or prams onto the road, exposing them to the danger of oncoming traffic.”
“An increase in awareness of the ban shows the level of support that the Aberdeen public has for keeping our road users safe.”
The restrictions came after the Scottish Government introduced legislation to ban pavement parking in Scotland with implementation by local authorities. Aberdeen City Council carried out a city-wide assessment of roads and associated pavements using the criteria set by the Scottish Government. During this assessment, some pavements were identified for exemption from the prohibition, for example, to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles.
A recent survey targeted at pedestrians and people with mobility aids, showed over half of respondents were either in favour of, or neutral to, the changes that have come into effect. Some concerns were raised about areas where space is limited, making parking more challenging, and that there could still be an increase in enforcement.