Pavement parking

Cars parked on the pavement

Parking on pavements, blocking roads and making risky manoeuvres are frequent occurrences that cause chaos close to schools and in residential areas.

The problem of pavement parking also concerns many disabled people as not being able to use pavements because of motorists parking on the kerb hinders people’s mobility. Not only does pavement parking force wheelchair and scooter users onto the road, but it also causes problems for blind and visually impaired people who don’t expect a vehicle to be parked in their path.

A bill that aims to strengthen the law on pavement parking while giving highway authorities powers including banning pavement parking, The Pavement Parking (Protection of Vulnerable Pedestrians) Bill 2015-16, will have its second reading debate in Parliament on Friday (4 December).

Following a number of complaints from local residents, councillors have recently been working to alleviate the traffic congestion that is building up around schools in the Middleton area during peak times due to inconsiderate parking.

Councillor Phil Burke said: “Following concerns raised by residents, we are working with the council to get something done. Children’s safety is our number one priority and this situation is a nightmare.”

It is a difficult issue for the council to resolve but the bill, if it becomes law, should help.

Parking on the pavement has already been banned in London and many organisations have supported the new bill proposing stricter rules.

However, not all organisations support the plans, including the Alliance of British Drivers (ABD), who argue that “sensible” pavement parking can help traffic flow.

Director Ian Taylor said: “The ABD doesn’t condone irresponsible parking that obstructs pavements any more than that which blocks roads. But there are places where sensible pavement parking would and should take place without obstructing anyone - and would help to keep traffic flowing. The proposals within the Bill are hugely disproportionate, unfairly punishing the majority of sensible and considerate drivers.”

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