Huge pavement parking changes coming — and most Brits agree

Councils across England will soon have more extensive powers to take action against drivers who cause disruption by parking on the pavement — and most people are in favour of taking action. The UK Government said in January that the powers would take effect later in 2026, with councils in England able to introduce restrictions for specific streets and take enforcement action against those who contravene them. And the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which grants these powers, received royal assent on April 29. The government has said it will lay the secondary legislation enabling enforcement "in due course" but has not given a specific timetable so when (and whether) councils will use them remains uncertain. Pavement parking is already banned outright in London and Scotland . In a policy document published in January, the government said that when it consulted on measures to assist local authorities in tackling pavement parking in England, it received over 15,000 responses with a clear majority of individuals (81%) and organisations (96%) reporting pavement parking as a problem in their area. The consultation set out three options, with one of them, the introduction of a national prohibition on pavement parking (with local exemptions) receiving the most support. The RAC said its own research showed a "clear majority" of drivers supported a ban on pavement parking. In a survey of 1,709 UK drivers conducted in September, the RAC found that 83% wanted new rules implemented. In the government policy document published in January, the transport department said councils will get new powers to issue fines to those who cause "unnecessary obstruction" when parking on the pavement. Lilian Greenwood MP, minister for local transport, said: " Pavement parking is an issue that resonates deeply with communities across our country. From bustling city centres to quiet residential streets, the impact is felt by many, particularly people living with sight-loss, mobility or sensory disabilities, older adults, parents with young children and anyone who relies on safe, accessible pavements to move around independently. "The government is committed to building safer, more inclusive streets... Pavement parking undermines safety and restricts mobility. "The government is taking forward a new, devolved approach to pavement parking, reflecting our commitment to decisions being made closer to the communities they affect. Local leaders know their communities best, so they are in the strongest position to figure out how to meet local needs effectively." She said that "rather than introducing a ‘one size fits all’ national prohibition, which was one of the consultation options, we will enable local transport authorities to prohibit pavement parking in their areas at the next legislative opportunity". She added: "In the meantime, we will be enabling local authorities to enforce against unnecessary obstruction of the pavement." Currently, police officers can fine people who cause obstruction or leave their vehicle in a dangerous position but council enforcement officers can only fine pavement parkers who breach an on-road rule such as double yellow lines. Erik Matthies of the RNIB, which wants a UK-wide ban, said vehicles parked on the pavement are "still the biggest barrier that blind and partially sighted people face when trying to walk alone". He said: "Pavement parking forces blind and partially sighted people into the road and potentially into the path of moving vehicles they can't see. This is stressful and highly dangerous for both pedestrians and drivers and causes wider issues for wheelchair users, guide dog owners and parents with prams. "It's disappointing that the UK Government's recent proposal only permits English councils to decide for themselves whether or how pavement parking could be restricted. This can only lead to a patchwork of provision, leaving drivers and pedestrians unsure of what to expect, which is a particular issue for blind and partially sighted pedestrians who rely on consistency in their environment to allow them to get around safely." Rod Dennis of the RAC said the motoring organisations' own research found "a clear majority of drivers agree that no pavement user should be made to walk or wheel into the road because of someone else's inconsiderate parking". Mr Dennis said: "The Government's outline proposals should clear the way for councils to prevent pavement parking where it causes problems, but permit drivers to partially park on pavements where doing so helps keep traffic flowing and doesn't inconvenience other people." Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA, cautioned against blanket bans, saying: "Drivers who park in an antisocial manner that blocks the path of pedestrians and wheelchair users and stops people from using tactile paving should be penalised. However, in the vast majority of cases, drivers are trying to balance safe access for pedestrians as well as allowing traffic to move along the road. [We] would recommend councils considering implementing a ban on pavement parking to carry out a street-by-street assessment. An outright ban could have a knock-on effect of displacing parking problems to new areas, causing new concerns of residents." A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: "Pavement parking can make it harder for people to get around safely - especially disabled people, older people and parents with pushchairs. That's why we're giving local leaders the powers to tackle problem pavement parking in their communities, with flexibility for exemptions where needed."