Local councils will be given new legal powers to crackdown on problem parking.
Local councils will be given new legal powers to crackdown on pavement parking (Image: Getty)
Drivers in England will be hit with a new pavement parking ban following a law change this year.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has set out plans to give local councils the power to crack down on “problem” pavement parking in a move to keep paths clear. Under the law change, local leaders across England will be given the power to introduce pavement parking restrictions across the area to help keep them clear and accessible. The restrictions aim to benefit wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs, and blind or partially sighted people, helping them to travel “more safely and independently”.
The Government has said blocked pavements can create serious barriers for people, limiting their independence and making everyday journeys harder and less safe.
Following a public consultation, the DfT has now confirmed that local councils are to be given new and improved legal powers to make it easier to restrict pavement parking across wider areas.
Previously, action has been limited to individual streets and requires lengthy and complex processes to put restrictions in place, according to the Government.
Under the new approach, councils will be able to decide to take action on pavement parking in their area and will have the flexibility to allow pavement parking where they deem it acceptable.
Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Clear pavements are essential for people to move around safely and independently, whether that’s a parent with a pushchair, someone using a wheelchair, or a blind or partially sighted person.
“That’s why we’re giving local authorities the power to crack down on problem pavement parking, allowing more people to travel easily and safely and get to where they need to go.”
The DfT has confirmed it will set out guidance later this year to help local councils use the new powers in “a proportionate and locally appropriate way”.
The law change has been welcomed by the Guide Dogs charity which has been campaigning for years to give greater powers to councils to tackle the problem of drivers blocking pavements.
The RAC has also praised the plans to crackdown on the issue which can force people to step into busy roads due to “inconsiderate” parking.
RAC Senior Policy Officer Rod Dennis said: “Our research shows a clear majority of drivers agree that no pavement user should be made to walk or wheel into the road because of someone else’s inconsiderate parking.
“These proposals should clear the way for councils to prevent pavement parking where it causes problems, but permit drivers to partially park on pavements where doing so helps keep traffic flowing and doesn’t inconvenience other people.”
