Certain parts of the UK may be exempt from a potential nationwide ban on pavement parking, with experts indicating that such restrictions could be “inappropriate” in some areas. The possibility of a nationwide ban on pavement parking has been under consideration for some time, with consultations on proposed changes taking place as early as 2020.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has stated that a national ban would establish a “consistent rule” for drivers to adhere to. However, the research seemed to imply that some regions might be exempt, with rural streets, villages and some towns unlikely to see any benefit from the proposed changes.
In discussing the potential drawbacks of a nationwide ban, the DfT analysis suggested that implementing restrictions in rural areas could be seen as a ” disproportionate” measure. Their study said: “A national prohibition might be inappropriate in rural areas, such as country roads where pavement parking may be safer. It would be difficult to comprehensively assess all rural settings and may be disproportionate to direct resources to place traffic signs on quiet country roads.
“There is also a greater dependence on private transport in rural areas. Suburban areas may also face specific challenges. The implementation of a national prohibition would also be particularly difficult in environmentally sensitive areas, such as historic towns and villages, where there is likely to be strong resistance to placing of traffic signs and bay markings to indicate where parking is permitted.”
Scottish authorities have taken a step forward in pedestrian safety by passing legislation that will enable councils to enforce pavement parking bans starting from December 2023, with Edinburgh and Glasgow now actively enforcing pavement parking bans. In London, pavement parking is already against the Highway Code, with drivers facing penalty charge notices (PCNs) of up to £130.
The Conservative party has not advanced the recommendations of a report on this issue, while the Labour party remains undecided on whether to introduce any legal regulations during this Parliament. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh highlighted the Government’s ongoing deliberations, acknowledging the importance of accessibility. She stated: “I completely recognise how important it is for accessibility.
“We’re considering what options we have available, because we want to make sure that any measures are not burdensome on local authorities and are done in the most effective way.”