Holyrood to be given power to enact member's Parking Bill

The Scottish Parliament is to be given power to pass a member's bill that aims to tackle irresponsible parking.

Sandra White MSP's Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill had been ruled by Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick as falling within Westminster's reserved powers, although a committee of MSPs which examined the bill described it as a "positive step in addressing the issue".

The UK Government has now confirmed that it will amend the Scotland Bill to allow the Scottish Parliament to deal with such issues.

Scotland Office minister Lord Dunlop acknowledged that there had been a longstanding question over Holyrood's competence to act in this area, but said an amendment now tabled to the Scotland Bill would clarify the matter.

Ms White wants traffic wardens to have the power to ticket vehicles that are causing an obstruction. Her proposal is backed by traffic wardens, the fire service and charities such as Guide Dogs Scotland.