New UK rules for pavement parking to be in place by end of December 2026 | UK | News
After years of negotiations, local councils across England will soon have the power to fine drivers for parking on the pavement. Under the new rules, first announced earlier this year, councils will take responsibility by using civil enforcement officers to monitor and punish offenders, rather than relying on police enforcement.
This change aims to make sanctions more consistent and effective. The change comes via the British Devolution and Community Empowerment Act; Full rollout is expected by the end of the year; This legislation gives councils time to create clear rules, signage and fair enforcement strategies. Pavement parking is currently banned entirely in London and Scotland, while councils elsewhere in England may impose restrictions on certain streets. However, the old system was criticized for being a “long and complex process”.
Currently, police officers can issue tickets to those who obstruct traffic or leave their vehicles in a dangerous condition. However, municipal enforcement officers can only issue tickets to pavement parkers who violate road rules such as parking restrictions or double yellow lines. There are separate rules for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said pavement parking was causing problems for blind people, parents with strollers and wheelchair users, adding that clean pavements were “essential so people can move around safely”.
The new regulations follow years of debate and changes to ban pavement parking, which were the subject of consultation in 2020 under the previous Conservative Government. The bill finally received Royal Assent earlier this week.
Under the British Enabling Act, cars will be banned from parking on pavements across the country. It will also introduce new licensing powers for electric bikes for hire and allow local authorities to set requirements around parking, safety and accessibility.
Guide Dogs Senior Policy, PR and Campaign Manager Chris Theobald said the organization was “delighted” to see the new rules introduced after “decades of campaigning”.
He said: “We welcome the Government’s swift action to prioritize pedestrian safety, following the announcement in January that local authorities will be given the power to introduce pavement parking in line with the needs of their communities,” and added that he looked forward to working with Sir Keir Starmer’s government and councils to develop the detail of the rules.
“It is crucial that these are developed and implemented quickly to ensure everyone can get from point A to point B without being stopped or forced onto the road.”
Through the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, cars are banned from pavement parking, double parking and parking on low curbs across Scotland. The rules, which were officially introduced in December 2023, gave local authorities the power to enforce the law and issue £100 fines; This fine will be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
