The Department for Transport launched a consultation earlier this year on proposals regarding pavement parking.
Government Proposals
There are three proposals:
(1) Simplify the process for Local Authorities to make Traffic Regulation Orders (making it easier for Councils to ban pavement parking on certain streets).
(2) Grant powers to Local Authorities to enforce Traffic Regulation Orders (giving power to Councils to enforce new and existing Orders without referal to the Police).
(3) Implement a National Ban (in England) on pavement parking, but permit Local Authorities to exclude certain streets.
Our position
We believe that pavements are for pedestrians – and pedestrians should be free to use pavements without obstruction.
Where cars are parked on pavements, they create obstacles to be dodged by parents pushing prams or pushchairs, wheelchair users, children cycling or scooting to school, and those with visual impairment.
In some cases, pedestrians are forced to squeeze by a parked car, in more extreme cases, pedestrians are forced to step into the road – creating risk and danger for said pedestrians.
Pavement parking also impacts other road users.
In many cases, pavement parking creates narrower streets, causing obstruction to cyclists, cars, delivery vans and the emergency services.
In addition, pavement parking obstructs the view at junctions, creating additional risks and danger for road users.
Pavement parking may also prevent the flow of traffic – pushing road users on to the wrong side of the road – again creating additional risks and danger for road users.
Finally, there is a cost to Local Authorities from pavement parking. The impact of a vehicle parking on a pavement results in damage to kerbs and paving stones.
Our conclusion
We support a National Ban (in England) on pavement parking.
We would suggest that this ban is applied to all pavements and roadside verges.
This ensures consistency – meaning clarity for visitors which would not be available where local restrictions vary across regions.
Local Authorities would retain the right to make exemptions to ensure parking is available where required.
This would permit, for example, exemptions to be applied where:
(I) road users with mobility issues require pavement parking for accessibility; or
(II) the design of residential streets means that there is no feasible alternative for resident parking.
Any application for exemption should consider the safety and well being of all persons using the pavement, as well as the potential impact on other road users.