Councils urged to use powers to prevent pavement parking

Signs permitted to indicate a local pavement parking ban

Regional and Local Transport Minister Norman Baker has written to councils, prompting them to use their powers to prevent parking on the pavement where it is a problem.

Vehicles parked on pavements can cause particular problems for people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and those with pushchairs.

Along with the letter, the Department for Transport has given all councils in England permission to use signs to indicate a local pavement parking ban. Until now councils have had to gain special signs authorisation from government each time they want to put a pavement parking ban in place.

While in some circumstances pavement parking is unavoidable, the government believes that in many cases it can be avoided. Pavement parking is completely banned in London.

Baker said: "Most drivers are considerate and do not park on the pavement unless it is permitted or necessary. However, there is a selfish minority who do not use their common sense and dump their cars wherever it suits them without a second thought for others."

"I hope that reducing the bureaucracy involved in banning pavement parking will make it easier for councils to use their powers to tackle this nuisance and make life safer for everyone."

Further information:
Department for Transport