'Pavement parking is stressful and highly dangerous'.
Local authorities throughout England will soon be able to use enhanced powers to tackle those drivers who create obstruction by parking on pavements — and the overwhelming majority of the public appears to back such measures.
In January, the UK Government announced that these powers would come into force later in 2026, enabling councils in England to implement restrictions on specific roads and pursue enforcement against those who breach them. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which provides these powers, was granted royal assent on April 29.
The government has indicated it will introduce the secondary legislation enabling enforcement "in due course" but hasn't specified an exact timeframe, leaving uncertainty around when councils will actually utilise them. London and Scotland already have outright bans on pavement parking.
According to a policy document released in January, the government revealed that when it sought views on measures to help local authorities address pavement parking in England, it got more than 15,000 responses, with a substantial majority of individuals and organisations identifying pavement parking as an issue in their locality. The consultation outlined three potential approaches, with the introduction of a nationwide ban on pavement parking getting the strongest backing.
The RAC reported that its own research demonstrated a "clear majority" of motorists were in favour of prohibiting pavement parking. A survey of 1,709 UK drivers carried out in September revealed that 83% were calling for new regulations to be put in place. In the government policy document released in January, the transport department announced that councils would be granted new powers to issue penalties to those causing "unnecessary obstruction" when parking on pavements, reports the Mirror.
Lilian Greenwood MP, minister for local transport, stated: "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 explained 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 continued: "In the meantime, we will be enabling local authorities to enforce against unnecessary obstruction of the pavement.
" At present, police officers have the power to issue fines to motorists who cause an obstruction or position their vehicle dangerously, however council enforcement officers are only permitted to penalise pavement parkers who violate on-road regulations such as double yellow line restrictions. Erik Matthies from the RNIB, which is campaigning for a nationwide ban, stated that vehicles left on pavements remain "still the biggest barrier that blind and partially sighted people face when trying to walk alone".
He explained: "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.
" RAC spokesman Rod Dennis noted that the motoring organisation's own research revealed "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 added: "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, has urged caution over wholesale prohibitions, stating: "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. 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 Department for Transport spokesperson commented: "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. "
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