Drivers in England could be fined for parking on pavement under proposed new law
Drivers in England could be fined for parking on pavement under proposed new law
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Drivers and riders could be fined for parking cars, e-bikes and e-scooters on pavements under a potential law put forward by a Labour MP. Marsha de Cordova, who is registered blind, said pedestrians were at risk of being injured as people are often forced into the road to navigate the obstacles.
Ms de Cordova told the House of Commons 95% of people with sight loss have had to walk in the road due to vehicles parked on pavements. The figure rose to 99% for people in wheelchairs and riding mobility scooters. MPs heard wheelchair users, people with pushchairs, and those with visual impairment were among those affected by the problem.
The Battersea MP is calling for existing laws in London that give councils the power to take action against drivers and cyclists to be rolled out across the rest of England. A similar policy has already been introduced in Scotland. Transport policy is devolved in Wales and Northern Ireland.
An existing law against parking cars on public paths has been in place since 1980, but requires the police to enforce it. Introducing her Ten Minute Rule Bill, Ms de Cordova said: “Pavement parking prevents many people from living their lives, from working, from socialising, from taking their children to school or getting to that vital appointment, and that has to change.”.
She added: “Between the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes an obstruction, and the lack of police resources, relying on police enforcement has not proven effective. “There is a clear need for a law that brings the rest of England in line with London and Scotland. Councils needs to be empowered to take action as they know their areas best.
