Motorists parking on pavements 'epidemic' in Glasgow is 'accident waiting to happen'

Residents in Blythswood and Broomielaw have described the problem as an “epidemic” and say that it poses a direct threat to pedestrians’ lives. 

The issue - believed to be ongoing for more than four years - has sparked demands for better enforcement in the area. 

Alarming images sent to the Glasgow Times show that the issue appears to be most prominent in Dixon Street, Fox Street and Midland Street. 

At the time of reporting, road teams moved in to Dixon Street and Howard Street to install double yellow lines in a bid to prevent pavement parking. 

Alistair McCusker, secretary for Blythswood and Broomielaw Community Council, said: “There has been an epidemic with cars on the pavement and not much police action being done about it. I think they should hold people accountable if they catch motorists parking on the pavement.

“Cars are meant for roads, not for pavements. It’s outright dangerous and obstructs a safe passage for pedestrians.”

In one incident, a resident told how she witnessed an elderly person come close to being hit by a moving vehicle on Dixon Street. 

She said: “Everyday cars parked in the sidewalk at city centre, with no parking tickets issued.

“I just saw an elderly almost hit by a car because of this.”

Exasperated locals say that building works taking place at a nearby site has decreased the number of public parking bays.

The shortage of spaces was previously amplified in other streets by the lack of yellow lining. 

Mr McCusker added: “It’s a free for all and there doesn’t seem to be much action against it. The council will say it is a job for the wardens to deal with but in reality, there are no wardens in the street after 5pm. 

“The people who are parking on the pavements pose a great danger to the lives of others. One of the roads in question is actually on a main bus route. 

“If it is dark, it wouldn’t take much for a walker to be knocked down, it’s an accident waiting to happen.  

“This has been going on for around for years now and nothing has been done about it. There has been no movement whatsoever to get the problem sorted.”

The community group is calling on council bosses and Police Scotland to either step up enforcement measures or install bollards on the streets of concern. 

Mr McCusker said: “We need to make these pavements for pedestrians and not vehicles and the only way to do this now is either by installing bollards or by police enforcement. I don’t think asking for pedestrian safety is too much of an ask. 

“It is clear that warden control is just not working and that we need a tougher enforcement system in place. If it was working, I wouldn’t have to be telling this story otherwise.”

“It’s disappointing, particularly when we are trying to encourage residents to live car free and to use public transport and to walk more.”

Legislation to make pavement parking a criminal offence is expected to come into force by 2023.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We would urge people to be responsible and considerate when parking in and around Glasgow.

“Any vehicle should be parked safely and drivers must ensure that a clear route is available at all times and that they are not blocking access.

“Police can take action for more severe obstruction cases. If a vehicle is causing an obstruction this can be reported to Police Scotland by phoning 101.”

A Glasgow City Council spokesperson added: "Our parking attendants are active in the city centre on a daily basis and routinely issue tickets against vehicles breaching parking regulations on Fox Street, Dixon Street and Midland Street.

“The parking regulations are intended to keep the road network clear of obstructions and allow all road users, including pedestrians, to move as freely and safely as possible at all times

“All drivers have a basic responsibility to observe the road regulations at all times and act considerately towards all other road users.

“We have refreshed the road lining on Dixon Street and Howard St which will support our enforcement effort in this area.

“Drivers should be advised that the restrictions in place prohibit waiting at any time.

“If a vehicle is causing an obstruction to other road users it should be reported to the police.”