Pavement obstruction is being discussed in parliament, just a few weeks after local residents expressed their concerns over vehicles parking on paths.
The Private Members’ Ballot Bills were given their first reading in the House of Commons last month and included North Dorset MP, Simon Hoare’s Bill for a ban on pavement parking in England and Wales.
The Bill will make powers available to highway authorities to make further provision for the safety, convenience and free movement on pavements of disabled people, older people, people accompanying young children and other vulnerable pedestrians.
It also aims to clarify, strengthen and simplify the law relating to parking on pavements in England and Wales; and for connected purposes.
National charity Living Streets, which campaigns for pedestrians, welcomes the proposed changes in the law. Living Streets’ chief executive Joe Irvin said, “We have been campaigning for years to reclaim our pavements for pedestrians and we are delighted that this important issue is finally being addressed after being delayed twice in the last Parliament.
“Pavements are for people, not vehicles, and it is about time that this issue is prioritised and given the attention it deserves.
“Pavement parking is dangerous. It can obstruct the footway and force pedestrians into the path of oncoming traffic. This is particularly dangerous for vulnerable pedestrians including those with reduced mobility or sight loss, wheelchair or mobility scooter users and parents with young children or buggies.
“From our own research, a YouGov poll in December 2014 for Living Streets, we know that 62% of people over the age of 65 were worried about obstructions on the pavement such as cars parked on the pavement for their friends and relations aged 65 and over. Parents also tell us it is one of their main worries in relation to children walking to school.
“We want parking on the pavement to be banned and we fully support Mr Hoare as he works to make the pavement parking bill a reality.”
