As the sun sets on a bustling Saturday evening in Glasgow, anticipation rises among football fans as they prepare for the highly anticipated Scottish Cup match between Celtic and Hibernian the following day. However, amidst the excitement, a crucial warning has been issued for supporters making their way to Parkhead by car. The club’s Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO), John Paul Taylor, has taken to social media to alert fans about recent parking regulations enforced by Glasgow City Council, particularly in light of the sold-out crowd of 60,000 expected at the stadium on Sunday.
Crucial Parking Regulations in Place
According to a recent release on the city council’s website, fines will now be imposed for pavement parking, double parking, and parking next to dropped kerbs. This enforcement follows a grace period during which over 400 warnings were issued to vehicles in violation of the new regulations. The primary objective of these measures is to enhance road safety for vulnerable pedestrians, including individuals with disabilities or those pushing prams. Any instance of pavement parking that obstructs pedestrian pathways, thus endangering public safety, is now subject to fines amounting to £100, with a reduced penalty of £50 if paid within 14 days. Similarly, double parking and parking near dropped kerbs are immediately liable for penalty charge notices.
Moreover, an initial evaluation conducted by the city council has revealed that most of Glasgow’s streets do not qualify for exemptions from the pavement parking ban. Exceptions are granted only to streets with existing parking restrictions or those with a minimum width of 7.5 meters, allowing for the unimpeded passage of emergency vehicles when cars are parked on both sides of the road. However, ongoing assessments are being conducted on numerous city streets to determine the necessity of implementing parking controls or exemptions. Detailed information outlining the streets without exemptions or undergoing further evaluations is accessible through a comprehensive map on the council’s official website. Motorists are strongly advised to consult the map to identify streets unaffected by the pavement parking ban.
Promoting Road Safety and Accessibility
In response to the new regulations, Councillor Angus Millar emphasized the critical importance of curbing pavement parking, double parking, and parking near dropped kerbs to mitigate road safety hazards across Glasgow. These practices not only endanger vulnerable pedestrians and wheelchair users but also impede the mobility of individuals with visual impairments or those pushing strollers or prams. The act of forcing pedestrians onto carriageways, where they are exposed to oncoming traffic, is deemed unacceptable. Enforcing these restrictions is expected to foster safer streets for all road users. Double parking and parking near dropped kerbs present additional challenges for pedestrians and drivers alike, often resulting in blocked roads and hazardous maneuvering conditions.
While certain streets may undergo considerations for exemptions or additional parking restrictions prior to the enforcement of pavement parking regulations, the majority of Glasgow’s streets have been identified as requiring no exemptions. Enforcement in these areas is slated to commence imminently. Motorists are encouraged to visit the council’s website to ascertain the current status of their respective streets and stay informed about the impending changes.
As fans gear up for an action-packed football match at Parkhead, it is essential for them to heed the warnings and comply with the updated parking regulations to ensure the safety and accessibility of Glasgow’s streets. By adhering to these guidelines, supporters can contribute to a smoother traffic flow and a safer environment for all individuals navigating the city’s bustling streets.
