The UK government has launched a new consultation to discuss plans for a blanket ban on cars parking on public footpaths.

Parking on footpaths has long been a grey area, frowned upon by some, but deemed absolutely necessary by others to allow for smooth flow of traffic. In London parking on footpaths has been strictly enforced since 1974, with offenders facing a £70 fine if caught by police, and now the Department for Transport is considering plans to give powers to local councils to enforce similar restrictions across the UK.

“Vehicles parked on the pavement can cause very real difficulties for many pedestrians.

“That’s why I am taking action to make pavements safer and I will be launching a consultation to find a long-term solution for this complex issue.

“We welcome the Transport Select Committee’s recent report and share their drive to tackle pavement parking and improve people’s daily lives.”

While a draconian blanket ban may be one option, it could be that local authorities are given the flexibility to take a tailored approach and allow for some exceptions in areas which face challenges.

Stephen Edwards, Director of Policy and Communications at Living Streets, said: “Pavement parking forces people with wheelchairs, buggies and those living with sight loss into the road and into oncoming traffic and the most vulnerable pedestrians continue to be put at risk of injury and isolation every day that this dangerous act continues.

“Clear pavements need clear laws, but currently regional differences cause confusion. We need a nationwide default ban, with the option to allow pavement parking in certain circumstances, as is currently available in London. This would be much simpler to enact and easier for everyone to understand.”

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