Pavement parking ban
Calls for bans on pavement parking
The Local Government Association (LGA) is once again urging the Government to address the matter of banning pavement parking, which seems to have been stalled since its initial consideration. This call for action resurfaces three years after the closure of a consultation on the issue.
Where its currently banned
Currently, pavement parking is exclusively prohibited in London, where councils hold the authority to exempt specific roads. The Government’s consultation, concluded in November 2020, evaluated the feasibility of extending this prohibition to all councils across England.
In Scotland, certain councils have recently commenced enforcement of a nationwide parking ban. Additionally, a forthcoming consultation in Wales will explore the implementation of regulations concerning pavement parking.
Why is it a problem
The Local Government Association (LGA), representing councils in England and Wales, emphasizes that updating the regulations is long overdue. Such changes would aid councils in meeting national goals to promote walking and cycling while offering better protection for older and vulnerable individuals from potential harm.
An independent report, conducted by Sustrans and Transport for All at the request of the LGA, outlines the difficulties faced by pedestrians and the obstacles councils encounter in ensuring accessibility. These challenges include insufficient space due to pavement parking, subpar surface conditions, tripping hazards, and inadequate safe crossing points.
“Pavement parking is one of the biggest complaints from pedestrians,” says Cllr Darren Rodwell, transport spokesperson for the LGA. “But three years on, councils outside of London still do not have the powers they need to tackle this problem.
