Are we set for a ‘postcode lottery’ of pavement parking standards?

Why doesn’t the Government see pavement parking as a safety issue, asks Chris Todd

Surprisingly, the day after the publication of a Road Safety Strategy with no mention of pavement  parking, the Government finally announced its response to the pavement parking consultation, held some five years ago.

While it is welcome to finally see some movement on this issue, it is deeply disappointing that the option being  taken forward by the Government is not the one most respondents wanted to see. Their clear preference, including among commercial businesses and other organisations was for an England wide pavement parking ban.

Given the critical importance of this issue, it requires national leadership with powers for local authorities  to allow exceptions where they can show it is warranted. As it stands, we could end up with a postcode lottery of standards that is confusing for everyone.

What is not clear is why the Government doesn’t feel this is a safety issue (so that it is part of the Road Safety  Strategy) when it states in its press release: “Blocked pavements can create serious barriers for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted people and older people, limiting independence and making everyday journeys harder and less safe.”

In the meantime, the only losers will continue to be the walking and wheeling public.

Chris Todd is Founder and Director of Transport Action Network.