More streets across South Ayrshire could be exempted from Scotland's pavement parking ban after councillors backed the next stage of the local authority's exemption programme. South Ayrshire Council's Cabinet approved a list of 15 additional locations where pavement parking is considered necessary to maintain vehicle access, service provision and traffic movement.
Initially, only Stonefield Park was exempted when the ban came into effect. The new exemptions follow a second phase of assessments carried out by council officers after receiving requests from residents, businesses and elected members following the introduction of enforcement measures in March 2025.
Streets Covered
The proposed exemptions cover streets in Ayr, Coylton, Crosshill, Kirkmichael and Maybole. Officers told councillors that 35 additional streets had been assessed as part of the review process.
A further four locations — Oswald Place, Springvale Park, Woodfield Crescent and Old Bridge Road in Ayr — have instead been identified as areas where waiting restrictions may be a more appropriate solution to parking problems.
Implementation Timeline
Presenting the report, Barry McDonnell of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance said detailed survey work would now be undertaken before the statutory consultation and legal processes required to implement the exemptions. The full exemption order is now expected to be in place by June 2027.
Councillor Reactions
Councillor Alec Clark described the report as “a step in the right direction,” stressing that the legislation had been introduced because of concerns over public safety. He said: “People have to remember that pavement parking was introduced in Scotland because of concerns from the general public about safety, whether that be people with prams, mobility scooters or just generally people passing by.”
Councillor Ian Davis welcomed the additional exemptions but raised concerns about Hawkhill Road in Ayr, and outside Dalmilling Primary School, asking whether the presence of a school had been considered during the assessment process. Mr McDonnell said officers had taken account of the school's location and noted that pavements on both sides of the street were up to six metres wide. He added that access points and sightlines would be protected as part of any exemption arrangements.
Councillor William Grant questioned why implementation would take until 2027, highlighting concerns about problem locations including King Street in Crosshill and Carrick Road. In response, officers said the timescale reflected the detailed survey work and statutory procedures required before exemptions could be formally introduced.
Questions were also raised about faded road markings and enforcement. Mr McDonnell said additional funding had been allocated to tackle a backlog of road lining works and that new exemption areas would be clearly marked with road markings and signs.
Approved Streets
Cabinet unanimously approved the recommendations. The streets approved for exemptions are:
- Ayr – Campbell Street, Eglinton Place, Glencairn Road, Hartfield Road, Harthall, Low Road, Oswald Place, Springvale Park, Woodfield Crescent.
- Coylton – Glenhead Place.
- Crosshill – King Street.
- Kirkmichael – Dyrock Road.
- Maybole – Hutchison Street, Kirkoswald Road.
These exemptions must still go through consultation and the legal order process before implementation.
