Image: Living Streets
The Government has been urged to follow the lead set by London and Scotland and kick pavement parking to – and off – the kerb for good.
The plea has been made by walking charity Living Streets, on the back of a new Government consultation on the issue, launched on 31 August.
The consultation seeks views on three measures:
- Improving the traffic regulation order process to make it easier for councils to prohibit pavement parking
- Giving councils powers to fine drivers who park on paths
- A London-style nationwide ban on pavement parking
Living Streets says while all options are steps in the right direction, a nationwide default ban in England, with the ability to allow pavement parking in certain circumstances, would be ‘much simpler to enact and easier for everyone to understand’.
Stephen Edwards, director of policy and communications at 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.”
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