Long-standing Issue: Street Parking on Pavements Causes Widespread Annoyance
In a bid to improve the safety and accessibility of Britain's streets, a growing number of voices are calling for the government to address the issue of pavement parking. A recent survey by Living Streets found that only 5% of drivers understand the current rules around pavement parking, highlighting the need for clearer regulations.
The public's demand for change is evident, with over 15,000 people waiting for a response from the Government on the matter. The lack of parliamentary debate on the issue in the past year means that participation figures remain unknown. However, a consultation on pavement parking by the Department for Transport in 2020 saw a significant response from the public.
The public support for giving local councils the power to enforce pavement parking restrictions is overwhelming. According to a poll, 65% of people, 79% of those with mobility impairments, and 84% of visually impaired people are in favour of this measure.
The roads minister, Lilian Greenwood, has given a commitment to respond to the consultation as soon as possible. A response could demonstrate that devolution is about improving lives, not just structures, as the Government's response to the consultation on pavement parking could potentially demonstrate.
To address the issue effectively, the Government should amend the English Devolution Bill to give councils in England the same enforcement powers as London and Scotland have regarding pavement parking. In London and Scotland, councils have had the power to enforce pavement parking restrictions since 1974 and 2023 respectively.
Pavement parking poses significant challenges for various groups, including people who use wheelchairs or mobility aids, those who are visually impaired, and parents with pushchairs. These individuals often face being forced into the road due to pavement parking, creating potential hazards and inconvenience.
Phil Mears, who has used a wheelchair for 40 years, has shared his struggles with pavement parking as part of a Disabled Citizens' Inquiry. Mears emphasised the mental cost of pavement parking, including anxiety before every journey, the erosion of independence and dignity, and quiet anger due to thoughtlessness.
Dan Simpson, the Policy and Public Affairs Manager, explained the need for councils in England to enforce against pavement parking. He stated that giving councils the power to enforce pavement parking restrictions would be a quick, cheap fix to address the anxiety, physical strain, and dangerous detours caused by pavement parking.
Moreover, research shows that disabled people make 29% fewer trips than non-disabled people due to barriers like pavement parking, which limits their access to employment, training, and other opportunities. Phil Mears wants to see greater powers given to councils outside of London to address pavement parking.
A debate on pavement parking was attended by 26 MPs, and 37 MPs signed an open letter urging the Government to respond to the consultation. As the pressure mounts, it remains to be seen whether the Government will take action to address this long-standing issue and improve the lives of many Britons.
