Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 01 March 2016
01 Mar 2016 · S4 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
So soon, Presiding Officer, so soon.
It has been useful to hear colleagues’ views on this important issue as we decide how to take it forward. I think that we can all agree on the need to tackle such inconsiderate behaviour. It is only right that we protect vulnerable pedestrians and ensure that access to public footpaths is not impeded in any way. However, it would be useful to bear in mind the fact that helping pedestrians does not have to involve impeding motorists. After all, it is likely that the majority of drivers are considerate in their parking and share the views expressed today about footway and double parking. With this likely to remain an issue in the next session of Parliament, we should use the chance to redefine our approach so that it becomes one that is proportionate and which is, crucially, targeted only at genuinely inconsiderate and unnecessary parking.
I have touched on situations in which footway parking can be both necessary to allow traffic flow and harmless to pedestrians, as long as—crucially—sufficient room is left to pass. Obviously, it is preferable to avoid such parking where possible, but we must recognise the reality that drivers are frequently left with no other option.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (John Scott)
Con
The next item of business is a debate on motion S1M-15759, in the name of Sandra White, on the Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill. 16:56
Sandra White (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP)
SNP
It is a great pleasure for me and many others to bring the bill before Parliament. As some members will know, the bill started out as a proposal by former MS...
Malcolm Chisholm (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (Lab)
Lab
I apologise because I will have to leave for a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, but I want to congratulate Sandra Whit...
Sandra White
SNP
I thank Malcolm Chisholm for his intervention. I was going to mention him later in my speech, because he and Mark Lazarowicz, both of whom are from Edinburgh...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
Con
I call Kevin Stewart to speak on behalf of the Local Government and Regeneration Committee. You have up to seven minutes. 17:05
Kevin Stewart (Aberdeen Central) (SNP)
SNP
As Sandra White outlined, many members have tried to introduce a bill such as the one that we are debating. I congratulate her on her tenacity. The Local Go...
The Minister for Transport and Islands (Derek Mackay)
SNP
Before I give my opening speech to Parliament, I thank Sandra White for her opening speech and the commendable work that she has put into developing the Foot...
Kevin Stewart
SNP
I speak now as a constituency MSP rather than as the convener of the Local Government and Regeneration Committee. Can the minister give us an assurance that,...
Derek Mackay
SNP
That is a fair point, and in taking forward the legislation the Government will have to consider all the issues around enforceability, decriminalised parking...
Ken Macintosh (Eastwood) (Lab)
Lab
I, too, thank Sandra White for introducing her Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill and for her work on highlighting the problem of inconsidera...
Cameron Buchanan (Lothian) (Con)
Con
I thank Sandra White for her flattering remarks. The saying, “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts,” comes to mind—maybe we should beware of Sandra White. The Foo...
George Adam (Paisley) (SNP)
SNP
I, too, welcome the bill and congratulate Sandra White on introducing it. I do not thank her so much for telling me how much of an internet sensation Cameron...
John Wilson (Central Scotland) (Ind)
Ind
I, too, congratulate Sandra White on her tenacity in bringing the issue forward, despite all the obstacles that were put in her way, including the issue of l...
The Presiding Officer (Tricia Marwick)
NPA
One moment, Mr Wilson. Minister, if you could turn to face the front of the chamber and not turn your back on the chair, that would be extremely courteous.
John Wilson
Ind
On-street parking is a blight on many communities throughout Scotland. The issue for those communities is how to deal with people who park on and obstruct pa...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call Cameron Buchanan to wind up. You have four minutes, Mr Buchanan. 17:36
Cameron Buchanan
Con
So soon, Presiding Officer, so soon. It has been useful to hear colleagues’ views on this important issue as we decide how to take it forward. I think that...
Dennis Robertson (Aberdeenshire West) (SNP)
SNP
Today, I was walking along and found a car impeding the whole pavement. I had no option but to go on to the road. There was no space against the wall—the car...
Cameron Buchanan
Con
I thank the member for that pertinent intervention. I, too, have had similar problems, although perhaps not where a car has taken up the whole pavement. I fi...
Lesley Brennan (North East Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
I too congratulate Sandra White on persevering with the important issue of protecting vulnerable pedestrians. The Labour group supports the general principle...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call the Minister for Transport and Islands. If you could go to 5.52pm, minister, I would appreciate that greatly. 17:44
Derek Mackay
SNP
Thank you, Presiding Officer. We have had a number of useful briefings for this afternoon’s debate on the proposals in the bill. I urge Cameron Buchanan, wh...
Derek Mackay
SNP
I am glad that that invited an intervention.
Cameron Buchanan
Con
After that vicious personal attack, what can I say? We support the bill. I am against the blanket part of it and it needs a bit of tinkering and change, but...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Minister, I can return the time for you.
Derek Mackay
SNP
I am delighted to hear that from Cameron Buchanan. I was given the impression that the Conservatives would not support the bill. I come from Renfrewshire, an...
Kevin Stewart
SNP
Will the member give way?
Derek Mackay
SNP
I will gratefully take an intervention from Kevin Stewart.
Kevin Stewart
SNP
In his speechifying, Cameron Buchanan talked about an added burden for wardens and the police. However, in Aberdeen, where parking enforcement is decriminali...
Derek Mackay
SNP
The powers will give those officers a sense of empowerment and further clarity on what is enforceable, as well as assisting in the cultural understanding. Im...