MPs call for blanket ban on car parking on pavements

‘It exacerbates, and is a cause of, social isolation,’ says new report

Politicians have called for the practice to be banned (iStock)

MPs have called for a blanket ban on drivers parking on pavements.

Pavement parking is already banned in London but permitted elsewhere.

The transport committee has criticised government inaction on the issue in a new report.

The panel heard evidence from witnesses who told the politicians that the worst of pavement parking effectively trapped the disabled, elderly and vulnerable, making them “afraid to leave their homes”.

“Pavement parking puts pedestrians in danger when they are forced to move into the road to get around a vehicle or where there are trip hazards due to damage to the pavement,” the report says.

“People with mobility or visual impairments, as well as those who care for others, are disproportionately affected.

“It exacerbates, and is a cause of, social isolation and loneliness for people who feel unable to safely leave their homes or are physically prevented from doing so by pavement parking.”

“This is a thorny problem that may be difficult to resolve to the satisfaction of all, but the government’s inaction has left communities blighted by unsightly and obstructive pavement parking and individuals afraid or unable to leave their homes or safely navigate the streets,” said Lilian Greenwood, the transport committee chair.

“In the long-term we believe the government should ban pavement parking across England - as is already the case in London.

“Local authorities could create exemptions if they choose to do so, but drivers would know that unless it was expressly permitted it was illegal to park their car on the pavement.”

The MPs recommend that local councils be given extra powers to combat “anti-social parking behaviour.”

Legislation banning pavement parking is already being considered by the Scottish Parliament.

The practice has been outlawed in London since the 1970s.

The transport committee said it recognised a national ban would take time to implement and recommended the government launch an awareness campaign on the issue.

Councillor David Renard, transport spokesman for the Local Government Association, said councils would welcome new powers to crack down on drivers.

“Pavement parking and damaged pavements is one of the biggest complaints from pedestrians – and not just in London,” the Conservative councillor said.

“Similarly, repairing kerbs and pavements damaged by pavement parking is expensive and this funding could be better used to repair potholes and provide more suitable parking.”

In 2015, the government promised to look into the issue of pavement parking in England, but MPs said the consultations and reviews carried out failed to improve roadside conditions.

The Department of Transport said ministers were considering their options on pavement parking.

“We are committed to ensuring that our roads work for everyone, but we are also aware that pavement parking can cause real problems for a variety of road users,” a spokesperson said.

“The department recently concluded a review to better understand the case for changing the law, and ministers will be considering our next steps over the coming months.”

Additional reporting by agencies