Councils to Receive Enhanced Powers for Pavement Parking Fines
Local authorities across England are slated to receive expanded powers to issue fines to motorists parking on pavements. These new powers are anticipated to commence later in the current year, accompanied by guidelines outlining 'proportionate' enforcement.
Currently, pavement parking is prohibited in London and Scotland. Councils in other areas of England possess the authority to implement restrictions on individual streets. The government states that broader enforcement capabilities will facilitate local authorities in addressing instances of obstructive parking.
Rationale for New Powers
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood commented that pavement parking creates difficulties for visually impaired individuals, parents using pushchairs, and wheelchair users. She emphasized that clear pavements are 'essential for people to move around safely.'
Current Enforcement Limitations
Presently, police officers can issue fines for obstruction or dangerous vehicle placement. Conversely, council enforcement officers are limited to fining pavement parkers only when an on-road regulation, such as parking restrictions or double yellow lines, is violated. Regulations for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) operate independently.
The government contends that the existing capacity for councils to restrict pavement parking on specific streets is not a 'practical tool for widespread enforcement.' This position is based on the necessity for prior local resident consultation and the installation of specific signage.
Future Implementation
A policy document released on Thursday by the transport department indicated plans to grant councils new powers to issue fines for 'unnecessary obstruction' caused by pavement parking. The document stated that these new legal powers would be implemented 'in due course' and would not necessitate 'additional traffic signage.' Concurrently, officials are engaged in developing broader legislation for a new framework of national, yet locally-applied, regulations.