Council would use fines to enforce pavement parking ban if given the powers to do so

Parking on pavement

If laws allowing local authorities to ban pavement parking in London are rolled out across the country to crack down on inconsiderate motorists, Rochdale Borough Council has said it would consider enforcing the ban with fines if given the power to do so.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, says all councils need extra flexibility to introduce bans if needed. This could free up congested pavements and stop pedestrians – particularly the blind and parents with prams and babies – from having to walk out into roads and risk their lives.

Steve Reay, Head of Highways at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “At the moment, councils don’t have the power to fine drivers who park on pavements and grass verges. We can only enforce if there are existing restrictions on the road, such as double yellow lines. If we were given the power to fine people for parking on pavements, it is something we would consider.”