Councils to be given new powers to fine drivers parking on pavements
Councils will soon crack down harder on drivers who park on pavements and cause disruption in local areas.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that “new and improved statutory powers” will allow local authorities to restrict pavement parking in much wider areas than before.
Under previous rules, officials had to apply for curb parking restrictions, often on a street-by-street basis, in a process often criticized as slow.
But councils will still be able to decide where the practice is most appropriate, allowing them to “maintain flexibility where they think pavement parking is still acceptable.”
It will give councils new powers to fine those who cause “unnecessary obstruction” by parking on the pavement, the transport ministry said in a policy document.
It was stated that what was deemed “unnecessary” would be at the discretion of municipal enforcement officers, but it did not specify how this should be defined.
The new legal powers will be granted “in due course” and will not require “additional traffic signals”, according to the document.
The DfT said wider legislation for a new set of national rules to be applied locally was currently being reviewed by authorities. It follows government proposals for sweeping changes to Britain’s road laws over the next decade.
Local transport minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Clean pavements are essential for people to be able to move around safely and independently, whether that’s a parent with a pushchair, someone in a wheelchair, or a blind or partially sighted person.
“That’s why we’re giving local authorities the power to tackle problematic pavement parking, allowing more people to travel easily and safely and get where they need to go.”
The DfT will “produce guidance” on how local authorities can use these powers “in a proportionate and locally appropriate way” later in the year.
Andrew Lennox, chief executive of Guide Dogs, said: “After years of campaigning, we welcome the announcement to give councils more powers to tackle problematic pavement parking.
“Cars blocking the sidewalks are a nuisance for everyone, but they are especially dangerous for people with vision loss who may have to navigate traffic they cannot see. Parking on the sidewalks is also an obstacle that keeps people out of daily life.
“When sidewalks are closed, people with vision loss lose their confidence, independence and freedom to travel safely. This prevents people from accessing jobs, education and social opportunities.”
