Drivers should be banned from parking on pavements, say MPs

PARKING on the pavement should be banned, MPs have recommended, to help communities left ‘blighted’ by the practice.

It is currently legal to park cars and vans on pavements across the country, except in London. But the Commons transport committee has advised it is time for an outright ban across England, as parts of the country suffer from ‘parking anarchy’.

Parking is a devolved matter, and the issue of pavement parking is being looked at separately by the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.

The committee inquiry into the issue received more than 400 written submissions, mostly from the public. The chairman Lilian Greenwood MP said: ‘Motorists may feel they have no choice but to park on the pavement and many try to do so in a considerate way, but evidence to our inquiry revealed the impact on those with visual and mobility impairments and people with children.’

Pavement parking in London has been an offence since 1974 and attracts a £70 fine.

Mrs Greenwood added: ‘The Government’s inaction has left communities blighted by unsightly and obstructive pavement parking and individuals afraid or unable to leave their homes or safely navigate the streets.’ She said a public awareness campaign is needed to educate people on the negative impacts of pavement parking.

Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill-onSea, said the town, which was visited by the panel, is in a state of parking chaos, especially for the elderly. He said: ‘I’m afraid we have parking anarchy here because people believe they can get away with anything.’