Pavement parking to be tackled with new powers for England councils
England councils will be given more powers to tackle pavement parking by ticketing motorists who cause disruption. The new powers will take effect later this year along with guidance on how the rules can be enforced in a “proportionate way.”
Pavement parking is currently banned in London and Scotland. Councils in other parts of the country can introduce their own restrictions on specific streets. Further enforcement powers, the government says, will make it easier for local councils to tackle the most disruptive.
Blind people, parents with pushchairs, and wheelchair users are among the most affected by pavement parking, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said. Clearing the pavement, she added, is “essential for people to move around safely.”
Police can currently fine those who cause an obstruction or leave their vehicle in a dangerous position. But council enforcement officers can only fine pavement parkers who break an on-road rule, such as parking on a double yellow line.
Councils having the power to restrict pavement parking on specific streets is not a “practical tool for widespread enforcement,” the government says, because of the requirement to consult local residents and put up signage prior.
The transport department, in a policy document, said that it will give councils new powers to fine drivers who create an “unnecessary obstruction” when parking on a pavement. The new legal powers would be provided “in due course” and will not require “additional traffic signage.”
Image: © Copyright Phil Champion and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
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