New legislation in England will empower local authorities to enforce pavement parking bans, a move that comes in response to widespread public demand and concerns over accessibility and safety. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, which received Royal Assent in April, provides councils with the ability to issue fines to motorists who obstruct footpaths, even if only partially on the curb.
This legislation aims to address one of the most frequently reported issues by residents. A poll of over 10,500 Daily Mail readers indicated that 66% desire a ban on pavement parking due to the inconvenience and hazards it presents. Disability advocacy groups, such as Guide Dogs and the National Federation of the Blind, have welcomed the change, highlighting the dangers posed to visually impaired individuals, wheelchair users, and parents with pushchairs who may be forced into the road.
Despite the public and governmental push for stricter enforcement, a significant number of councils appear hesitant to implement the new rules. A BBC investigation, based on Freedom of Information requests, revealed that 84 out of 164 responding councils have designated parking bays on pavements. Only five of these authorities have stated plans to remove these spaces. The Local Government Association (LGA) has stated that councils permit pavement parking to "balance the needs of all users," a position that contrasts with their earlier acknowledgment that pavement parking is a source of numerous complaints and causes disruption, particularly for those with mobility issues.
Some areas in the UK already have comprehensive pavement parking bans. London has prohibited pavement parking for over 50 years, with penalties ranging from £60 to £130. Scotland implemented a ban through the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, with enforcement beginning in December 2023. Exeter also prohibits drivers from parking on the kerb.
The new rules in England will be introduced in two phases. By the end of 2026, local authority civil enforcement officers are expected to have the power to issue penalties for footpath obstructions. The second phase will establish a national regulatory framework, granting councils broader enforcement powers and a more streamlined process for introducing signage and exemptions.
The change in law follows a government consultation initiated more than five years ago, during which four in five respondents reported pavement parking as a problem in their area, and two in five indicated they would leave home more often if these issues were addressed.
While the legislation is supported by a significant majority of drivers, with an independent survey showing 83% backing new rules, some motorists express concerns that the additional penalties may primarily serve to increase council revenue. Road safety organizations, like the AA, have advised that the legislation should still allow for partial pavement parking where it aids traffic flow and does not impede others.