More formal enforcement action will be taken by the council to ensure pavements and roads are safer and more accessible to all.

Chair of the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown, said: “We have a difficult balancing act here – there are areas where on-street parking is very restricted, but our priority must be to ensure people can walk safely on pavements without being forced onto roads.

“We know this can be a huge issue for people who use wheelchairs or walking aids, people with visual impairments and for parents using prams or buggies.

“A balanced approach will be taken to any locations brought to our attention and consideration will be given as to the appropriate level of initial and ongoing action on a case-by-case basis.

“It’s also important to emphasise that we are enforcing Parliamentary legislation aimed at making pavements safer. This is our aim but any income we receive from penalties will go towards the operational costs of the Parking Unit which like many services across the council is experiencing real funding pressures.”

It was agreed last year that a ‘soft’ approach would initially be taken to enforcement, with warning signs placed on vehicles saying that fines will shortly be introduced for vehicles parked on pavements.

While this approach may continue to be taken in the first instance at some locations, from Monday 6 January 2025 those drivers parking on pavements, double parking or parking at dropped kerbs, particularly at busy locations, should expect to receive a Fixed Penalty Notice.

The report on pavement parking can be found on the council website.