Edinburgh neighbours slam pavement parking ban after cars hit by passing traffic

A group of Edinburgh neighbours are up in arms after incurring thousands of pounds’ worth of damage to their cars since the introduction of the pavement parking ban.

City of Edinburgh Council began fining motorists for parking on pavements in January in a move aimed at making the city more walkable, especially for the disabled.

But residents of Lochend Drive say the measure has brought chaos to their street, with passing traffic hitting parked vehicles and emergency services unable to access homes.

Jade Shand has been left afraid to park on her street for fear of incurring thousands of pounds' worth of damage | Handout

Jade Shand, 35, had her car hit within weeks of the ban being enforced and had to toll out £775 to replace a wingmirror. Recently, she was again faced with paying the same sum after the mirror was again hit by a separate passing car.

She told the Evening News: “The pavements (on Lochend Drive) have always been really wide so cars could park on them and still allow access for wheelchairs and prams.”

Jade added: “I have lived here 8 years with no issues but yet since the new law this has happened twice. I only got my wingmirror replaced end of April and now it needs replaced again.

“I need my car as I have MS so classed as disabled and a blue badge holder. It is really upsetting and I don't have the money to keep replacing these.”

She called on the council to ‘take ownership’ of the fact they had ‘not thought the situation through’.

Jade's wingmirror has been hit by passing vehicles twice in the space of five months | Handout

Fellow resident Mark Minshall spoke of the ‘massive effect’ of the ban on all the street’s motorists.

He said: “Many cars have suffered damage including my own recently after a removal truck couldn't fit down the road and took the rear half of my car with it.

“With Lochend Drive, the pavements down both sides of the road are at no point less than four metres wide. All vehicles used to park on the pavements and still left over two metres at any point worth of pavement. Pavement access was never an issue.”

With no room available for two-way traffic, it is claimed that lorries are now often forced to reserve all the way along the street after encountering oncoming vehicles.

There is also concern over access for emergency vehicles, which are often forced to slow down considerably upon entering the street. Meanwhile, Lothian Buses’ 25 service has been diverted, forcing disabled and elderly locals to take lengthy walks.

One resident reckons the street's especially wide pavements should be grounds for an exemption | Handout

Mark said called for Lochend Drive’s motorists to be granted an exemption from the ban, as has been granted to certain roads in Aberdeen after the ban came into force there.

City council transport convener Scott Arthur said: “We’ve been in discussions with Lothian Buses regarding this road and proposals are being a brought forward for a traffic order to introduce yellow lines to ensure access is maintained for public transport.

“As part of the traffic order process, proposals will be advertised publicly and residents or any interested parties will have the opportunity to comment on or object to them.”

Lothian Buses was approached for comment.