Punish motorists for parking on the pavement say MPs
MOTORISTS who park on pavements should be outlawed – in an attempt to tackle the scourge which can affect the disabled.
Authorities have the power to impose controls but MPs want a nationwide ban.There is only an official restriction on pavement parking in London where drivers can be handed a £70 fine.
The thoughtless practice can blight the lives of those with physical and mobility impairments, leading to social isolation.
The Department for Transport has come under fire in a report for failing to take action.
Lilian Greenwood, chairwoman of the Transport Committee, said: “Pavement parking has a huge impact on people’s lives and their ability get around their communities. 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.”
The Labour MP said she was “deeply concerned” and criticised ministers for failing to act despite promises back to 2015. She said: “This is a thorny problem that may be difficult to resolve to the satisfaction of all, but the Government’s inaction has left communities blighted by unsightly and obstructive pavement parking.”
She said that individuals are afraid or unable to leave their homes or safely navigate the streets, adding that in the longterm the Government should ban pavement parking across England.
Ms Greenwood claimed local authorities could create exemptions so drivers would know that unless it was expressly permitted it was illegal to park on the pavement.
She said: “We recognise that implementing a nationwide ban will take time.
“In the short-term we have said that the Government should make it easier for local authorities to put in place parking restrictions by removing some of the bureaucratic burdens they currently have to contend with.”
The MP also called on ministers to run an awareness campaign about the negative impacts of pavement parking.
Devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are considering taking action on the parking issue.