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MPs Renew Call For Motorists To Be Fined £70 For Pavement Parking

MPs Renew Call For Motorists To Be Fined £70 For Pavement Parking

'We are deeply concerned that the government has failed to act on this issue, despite long-standing promises to do so'

Jake Massey

Jake Massey

MPs have renewed an appeal to the government to enforce £70 ($86) fines on drivers who park on pavements.

The Department for Transport (DfT) initially suggested banning pavement parking in England two years ago and the Transport Committee subsequently launched an inquiry into pavement parking in April.

Parking on the pavement could be banned across England.
PA

Now, Lilian Greenwood MP - who chairs the transport committee - has called for the government to take action, claiming some people are afraid to leave their homes because of pavement parking.

According to The Sun, she said: "We are deeply concerned that the government has failed to act on this issue, despite long-standing promises to do so.

"This is a thorny problem that may be difficult to resolve to the satisfaction of all, but the government's inaction has left communities blighted by unsightly and obstructive pavement parking and individuals afraid or unable to leave their homes or safely navigate the streets.

"In the long-term we believe the government should ban pavement parking across England - as is already the case in London.

"Local authorities could create exemptions if they choose to do so, but drivers would know that unless it was expressly permitted it was illegal to park their car on the pavement."

It has been illegal to park on the pavement in London since 1974, although individual councils can seek exemptions. Outside of the capital, people are currently allowed to partially park on the pavement, as long as their vehicle is not causing an obstruction.

There are many who are opposed to a blanket ban, as in many areas the roads would become impassable if vehicles didn't park on the pavements. This could present a particularly serious problem should roads become blocked to emergency service vehicles.

However, councillor David Renard, transport spokesman for the Local Government Association, reckons most councils would back it.

PA

He told The Sun: "Pavement parking puts pedestrians in danger when they are forced to move into the road to get around a vehicle or where there are trip hazards due to damage to the pavement.

"It exacerbates, and is a cause of, social isolation and loneliness for people who feel unable to safely leave their homes or are physically prevented from doing so by pavement parking."

A Department for Transport spokeswoman said ministers would be considering their next steps.

She said: "We are committed to ensuring that our roads work for everyone, but we are also aware that pavement parking can cause real problems for a variety of road users.

"The department recently concluded a review to better understand the case for changing the law, and ministers will be considering our next steps over the coming months."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: uk news, Cars