Shapps ‘green recovery’ plan to ban cars on pavements

PARKING on pavements could be banned across England under plans outlined by the Transport Secretary.

Grant Shapps announced he was bringing in measures to prevent disabled people and parents with prams being forced “dangerously” into roads by inconsiderate parking.

In a consultation launching today, the Department for Transport says it is looking at a number of options as well as a nationwide ban, including giving councils the power to fine drivers causing obstructions – even if not in a zone where pavement parking is banned.

The proposals have been welcomed by disability groups, such as the charity Guide Dogs, which said pavement parking made travelling “daunting” for the visually impaired. However, the AA warned that a nationwide ban would have “unintended consequences”, especially for communities with narrow streets where pavement parking is needed to avoid blocking roads.

There has been a blanket ban on pavement parking in London since the Seventies and a similar ban is due to come into force in Scotland next year.

In England, motorists can park on the pavements as long as they do not create a dangerous obstruction or they are not in a zone where it has been specifically banned by the local council.

Mr Shapps said: “A key part of our green, post-covid recovery will be encouraging more people to choose active travel, such as walking, so it is vital that we make the nation’s pavements accessible for everyone.”

Ministers are considering three options: the first is making it easier for councils to create ‘no pavement parking’ zones; the second is to allow councils to fine drivers £70 if they are found to be inconsiderately parked whether in a banned area or not; and the third being a nationwide ban, with councils given responsibility to designate areas where drivers can park on pavements.

The Government’s consultation document warned that a nationwide ban could disproportionately affect rural areas, where car ownership is higher, and would be expensive for councils to organise and monitor.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “While councils have always had the powers to tackle problem parking, it would be typical if the only time they act is when there is in