More backing for new parking laws to stop cars blocking pavements in East Dunbartonshire

The Responsible Parking (Scotland) Bill - which aims to ‘enable freedom of movement for all pedestrians’ - is currently making its way through the Scottish Parliament.

It’s already won the backing of Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP Fiona McLeod, who says her constituents regularly complain about parked cars blocking pavements and footpaths - forcing wheelchair and pram users out into the road.

Last week she visited members of the East Dunbartonshire Visually Impaired People (VIP) Forum, in Kirkintilloch, who gave their backing to the bill.

Ms McLeod said: “Hearing other people’s stories makes me realise just how important the legislation is.

“One young woman in a powered wheelchair, who works hard at maintaining her independence, told me she lives off Alexandra Street and likes to make her way to MacGregor House for the VIP Forum meetings herself.

“Unfortunately, when inconsiderate parkers block her path along Alexandra Street she often has to resort to paying for a taxi.

“The more I heard the more I realised just how thoughtless some drivers can be.”

East Dunbartonshire Council has also given its support to the legislation.

Thomas Glen, the council’s director of development and regeneration, said: “The council is supportive of anything that encourages more considerate parking to help keep footways clear for pedestrians.”

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