Chris Ames 08 April 2019

Westminster inaction prompts pavement parking inquiry

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.’

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 closing date to submit written evidence is 14 May.

This article first appeared on Transport Network.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Durham County Council is looking for experienced and knowledgeable Senior Planning Officers to join our vibrant Development Management team. Our team Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Service – Social Care

Wrexham County Borough Council
G15 £63,148 - £67,058 per annum
There is an exciting opportunity within Children Social Care to join the senior management team Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Recuriter: Wrexham County Borough Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cafe Assistant - Weald Country Park

Essex County Council
Up to £13.3000 per hour
Café Assistant (Weald Country Park)Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner