PAVEMENT parking could be outlawed under new proposals from the Government.

A consultation into the proposed new laws has launched today. If adopted, they would bring England into line with new rules in Scotland due to come in in 2021.

The consultation, alongside the Department for Transport’s assessment into the impacts of pavement parking, can be seen by visiting https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/managing-pavement-parking

Three options being put forward to the public include: a London-style nationwide ban on pavement parking; improving the traffic regulation order process to make it easier for councils to prohibit pavement parking in their areas; and giving councils powers to fine drivers who park on pavements.  

Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, has been campaigning for an end to pavement parking.The charity believes all options in the consultation are steps in the right direction but that a nationwide default ban, with the ability to allow pavement parking in certain circumstances, would be much simpler to enact and easier for everyone to understand.  

Living Streets is part of the Walking and Cycling Alliance (WACA) with Bicycle Association, British Cycling, Cycling UK, Ramblers and Sustrans. In their joint ‘Moving the Nation’ publication, WACA set one of its aims to ‘Prohibit pavement parking to create safer and more accessible streets.’  

The consultation has also been welcomed by Guide Dogs.  

Stephen Edwards, Director of Policy and Communications, Living Streets said:    

“Pavement parking forces people with wheelchairs, buggies and those living with sight loss into the road and into oncoming traffic.   

“We’re regularly contacted at Living Streets by disabled and older people who feel trapped in their homes because there isn’t enough room on the pavement for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. This has impacted more people during the pandemic with blocked pavements affecting everyone’s ability to physically distance.   

“A green and sustainable recovery from Covid-19 relies on our streets being clear and safe. It’s time we follow the lead set by London and Scotland and kick pavement parking to – and off – the kerb for good.”   

The walking charity is urging people to respond to the consultation by visiting www.livingstreets.org.uk/pavementparking2020