The last-minute amendment to the Scotland Bill means that the Scottish Government can proceed with legislation that would make it illegal for vehicles to park on pavements or by dropped kerbs or double park on public roads.

The move follows a campaign by groups including walking charity Living Streets and Guide Dogs for the Blind. 

RAC spokesman Simon Williams commented: “Our research shows that Scottish residents do recognise pavement parking as an issue. A new survey conducted by the RAC found that nine in 10 motorists in Scotland were concerned above pavement parking, with 71% saying that vehicles blocked pavements in their neighbourhoods.

“Drivers are, however, split on what they consider to be reasonable parking practice. Around 40% told us partially parking on a pavement is acceptable so long as access for pavement users is not affected, and a similar proportion said that vehicles should never be allowed to park on pavements.”