The Government is preparing to decide whether to introduce a nationwide ban on pavement parking, with the RAC reporting that most drivers back stronger action. Pavement parking is currently banned only in London and Scotland, where penalties range from £50 to £160, but councils elsewhere must rely on time-consuming Traffic Regulation Orders to impose restrictions.
Transport minister Lilian Greenwood said the Department for Transport is “working through the policy options” following a consultation in 2020, with a formal response due soon. In the meantime, local authorities have been urged to use existing powers to manage problem areas.
RAC research shows the issue is widespread, with 66% of drivers regularly seeing vehicles parked on pavements near their homes and one-third witnessing it daily. Almost half report pedestrians being forced into the road as a result. Eight in 10 motorists believe the problem needs tackling, but opinion is split: 42% want an outright ban, while 41% would prefer councils to gain simpler powers to act locally.
RAC policy officer Rod Dennis said: “No pavement user should be forced into walking or wheeling into the road because of someone parking inconsiderately… Any future government policy must strike the right balance.”