EAST Renfrewshire Council has been urged to use new powers to introduce a full ban on pavement parking as soon as possible by MSP Ross Greer. 

The Scottish Green MSP said there should be limited exemptions on the ban, such as for emergency service vehicles.

Mr Greer said: "Pavements must be safe for everyone to use, they’re not just extra parking spaces for cars.

“Yet, all over East Renfrewshire we see some inconsiderate drivers parking wherever they want, forcing those with buggies, in wheelchairs and other more vulnerable pedestrians onto the road just to get past them."

All councils are now free to act on new legislation, which became effective last month. 

However, the local authority has not yet named a date when they intend to begin enforcing the ban locally.

MSP Greer added: "Nobody should have to put themselves in a dangerous position because a car is parked where it shouldn’t be. Enforcing this ban is an important step in ensuring that our streets and communities are safer for everyone.

“That’s why I’m encouraging East Renfrewshire Council to use these new powers to introduce a full ban with only very limited exemptions as soon as possible.”