Pavement parking could soon be banned across the UK under these new proposals – Express

Pavement parking campaigners are frantically pushing to stretch a blanket ban across the UK in a bid to improve road safety.Under proposals, campaigners are looking to introduce a new obstructive placement parking and unnecessary obstruction offences into law.

The changes could see motorists fined or prosecuted for stopping on a kerb leaving many road users caught out.

The Department for Transport has launched a national consultation on the plans which could be introduced later this year if approved.

Local councils will be responsible for deciding where pavement parking rules should be most heavily enforced based on historical data of the area.

The DfT ware signs can also obstruct the pavement with ministers warning the price of new road infrastructure could be paid by the taxpayer.

READ MORE:Pavement parking near schools could soon be banned

Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary said: Vehicles parked on the pavement can cause very real difficulties for many pedestrians.

Thats why I am taking action to make payments safer and I will be launching a consultation to find a long-term solution for this complex issue.

This will look at a variety of options - including giving local authorities extended powers to crack down on this behaviour.

In a report last year the Transport Select Committee said pavement parking made it harder for many to get around.

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The report claimed parking on the kerb was detrimental to disabled citizens and parents with young children.

The group found pavement parking could contribute to loneliness as many may feel forced to stay at home.

The Committee made a list of improvements to the road networks to increase safety such as the introduction of public awareness campaigns and extra traffic regulation orders.

Campaign teams such as Living Streets and Guide Dogs have been in support of a widespread ban and backed findings from the Transport Select Committee.

Stephen Edwards, policy and communications director at Living Streets said pavement parking had an impact on the lives of many people.

He said: Cars parked on pavements force people with wheelchairs, parents with buggies and those living with sight loss into the carriageway and oncoming traffic.

The committee is right to draw attention to the impact of pavement parking on loneliness.

Many older adults we speak to feel stuck in their homes because theyre not able to navigate their local pavements.

Currently, London is the only UK region which charged a fine for parking on the pavement.

Offenders can be hit with a 70 charge for stopping on the kerb in the capital whereas no further laws exist for the rest of the UK.

Motoring experts, the AA, said fines should be introduced for offenders but have warned the ban could lead to unintended consequences.

The recovery group claimed a ban could lead to widespread parking chaos and urged the government to introduce new measures which better targeted key areas.

The AA said: An outright ban could lead to unintended consequences with parking chaos becoming more widespread.

A better solution would be for councils to make a street-by-street assessment and where pavement parking could be allowed it be clearly marked and signed.

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Pavement parking could soon be banned across the UK under these new proposals - Express