The Transport Select Committee has launched an inquiry into pavement parking.
The committee said that as pavement parking is a devolved issue, the focus of the inquiry is England only.
The Scottish Government's Transport (Scotland) Bill will introduce a national ban on pavement and double parking.
The committee said that parking on pavements creates real problems and that for those with visual difficulties, who use mobility aids, or need to navigate footpaths with children, ‘unpredictable hazards such as cars represent a potential danger’.
It added that councils also face costs to repair damage to surfaces that are not designed to take the weight of motor vehicles.
Committee chair Lilian Greenwood said: ‘This is an area where some people’s actions cause real difficulties for others. Parking on pavements risks the safety of all groups of people from the littlest to the oldest, with differing needs.
‘While we’re also inquiring into Active Travel we need to make sure it’s safe to take to the streets. We want to hear from the public about the difficulties this presents and the solutions on offer.’
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes backed the inquiry but said that the case for an outright ban is not clear cut and that the inquiry should look carefully at how to strike the right balance.
He said: ‘There are instances, particularly on Britain’s many narrow residential streets, where drivers believe they are doing the right thing by putting a wheel or two on the kerb so as not to impede road access for other vehicles and emergency services, while also making sure they leave enough space for people to use the pavement, especially wheelchair users and those with buggies.’
The committee pointed out that a mix of criminal and civil sanctions are available to police and local councils to enforce restrictions on pavement parking on private or commercial drivers. Parking on footways or pavements was banned in London in 1974, and it is prohibited for large goods vehicles across England.
But it added that a lack of progress in tackling the issue has led many groups to campaign on the issue but the Government has not taken any action on this issue in recent years.
The Committee is calling for written evidence on:
- the impact of pavement parking
- the enforcement of pavement parking offences
- enforcement and, if necessary, reform of traffic regulation orders need to deal with pavement parking
The closing date to submit written evidence is 14 May.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
