Pavement parking ban opposed by fewer than one-in-five drivers

As the Department for Transport (DfT) considers banning vehicles from parking on pavements, just 18% are against the move.

That’s according to a survey from Venson Automotive Solutions, which reveals almost half (46%) of motorists questioned agree that pavement parking, already banned in London and Edinburgh, should be banned in other cities and towns. 

The accessibility of pavements for vulnerable pedestrians is the biggest cause of concern for motorists, followed by limitations for pedestrians to cross the road safely. 

Earlier this year, councils called on the Government to ban pavement parking. The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England and Wales, said a change in the rules was now long overdue and would help councils meet national targets to encourage more walking and cycling, while protecting older and vulnerable people from injury.

An independent report, produced by Sustrans and Transport for All and commissioned by the LGA, detailed the barriers faced by people using the footway and challenges for councils in making them accessible.

This included the lack of space commonly caused by pavement parking, poor surface quality, trip hazards and not enough places to cross the road safely.

Lack of funding, difficulties in maintaining a clear picture of the condition of footways and bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining Traffic Regulation Orders, were also identified as challenges for councils.

Simon Staton, client management director for Venson Automotive Solutions, said: “Pavement parking can cause numerous barriers to footway users including lack of space, degradation of surface quality, trip hazards and lack of safe spaces for crossing the road. So, it is reassuring to see drivers are recognising that the safety of vulnerable pedestrians, including the elderly, people with disabilities, the visually impaired and those with pushchairs and young children, is paramount.”

The pavement parking ban options currently being considered by Government include placing power in the hands of local authorities, giving them the freedom to devise how and where to place parking bans.  

Government is also contemplating extending council powers with local authorities able to “enforce unnecessary obstruction as a civil matter”, or even implementing a national pavement parking ban across the country.

Research for the Government consultation found that 95% of visually impaired people had had a problem with vehicles parked on pavements in the previous year and 98% of wheelchair users, it seems that there is an urgency for these obstacles to be overcome.

Staton concluded: “Finding somewhere to park has always been an issue in crowded cities and towns across the UK. 

“While fleet and business drivers may sometimes struggle with parking, it is encouraging to witness motorists placing the good of society over bagging the best parking place.  

“A ban on pavement parking makes sense, but a measured approach should be taken, that does not include a blanket ban on pavement parking. 

“Local authorities are best placed to assess how parking should be managed in their communities, helping to make pathways clearer for all.”