Parking on pavements creates real problems. For those with visual
difficulties, who use mobility aids, or need to navigate
footpaths with children, unpredictable hazards such as cars
represent a potential danger.
‘Pavement parking’ is when one or more wheels of a vehicle are on
the footpath. As well as creating obstacles for people wanting to
use footpaths, Councils face additional costs to repair damage to
surfaces which are not designed to take the weight of motor
vehicles.
A mix of criminal and civil sanctions are available to police and
local councils to enforce restrictions on pavement parking on
private or commercial drivers. Parking on footways or
pavements was banned in London in 1974, and it’s prohibited for
large goods vehicles across England.
Lack of progress tackling pavement parking has led many groups to
campaign on the issue and although it is regularly raised with
MPs by their constituents, the Government has not taken any
action on this issue in recent years.
Today, the Transport Committee launches an inquiry to explore the
problems of pavement parking in England and consider possible
solutions. As pavement parking is devolved, the focus is on
England only.
Chair of the Committee, MP, said:
“This is an area where some people’s actions cause real
difficulties for others. Parking on pavements risks the safety of
all groups of people from the littlest to the oldest, with
differing needs. While we’re also inquiring into Active Travel –
how we get more people into walking and cycling – we need to make
sure it’s safe to take to the streets. We want to hear from the
public about the difficulties this presents and the solutions on
offer.”
The Committee is calling for written
evidence on the following:
- · the
impact of pavement parking;
- · the
enforcement of pavement parking offences; and
-
· enforcement and,
if necessary, reform of traffic regulation orders need
to deal with pavement parking.
Visit the Pavement Parking inquiry
page to submit evidence.
The closing date to submit written evidence is 14
May 2019.
