RULES to ban parking on pavements – causing problems for disabled people, those with pushchairs and more – are to become easier to implement, the Government has announced.

Disability groups have long campaigned on the issue of blocked pavements, which can create serious barriers for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users, blind and partially-sighted people and the elderly.

Now, following a public consultation, the Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed local leaders will be given new legal powers to make it easier to restrict pavement parking.

The changes will mean councils will be able to introduce bans across wider areas – rather than the previous approach of taking action on a street-by-street basis – while retaining flexibility in some spaces.

Announcing the move, Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood MP (Lab, Nottingham South), said: “Clear pavements are essential for people to move around safely and independently, whether that’s a parent with a pushchair, someone using a wheelchair, or a blind or partially sighted person.

“That’s why we’re giving local authorities the power to crack down on problem pavement parking, allowing more people to travel easily and safely and get to where they need to go.”

The move has been welcomed by campaign groups, including Guide Dogs, whose chief executive, Andrew Lennox, said: “After years of campaigning, we welcome the announcement to give councils greater powers to tackle problem pavement parking.

“Cars blocking pavements are a nuisance for everyone, but especially dangerous for people with sight loss, who can be forced into the road with traffic they can’t see.

“Pavement parking is also a barrier that shuts people out of everyday life. When pavements are blocked, people with sight loss lose confidence, independence and the freedom to travel safely. This stops people accessing work, education and social opportunities.

“We look forward to working with the government and local authorities to ensure these changes are introduced quickly and consistently enforced so pavement parking becomes a thing of the past.”

And RAC senior policy officer, Rod Dennis, said: “Our research shows 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.

“These 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.”

Guidance for local authorities – such as Somerset Council – on the new powers will come later in the year.

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