The inconsistency surrounding pavement parking enforcement is causing problems for large numbers of senior citizens around the country, according to Dr Rachel Lee, Policy & Research Coordinator at Living Streets.
She cites a YouGov poll of people aged 65 and over that shows parking on pavements was a problem for 73% of those questioned in their local area. “Vulnerable pedestrians, such as older people, disabled people and parents with infants are especially at risk when forced to walk in the path of oncoming traffic,” says Lee.
“Unfortunately, the law on the pavement parking is far from clear. It is illegal to drive on the pavement, but not to leave your vehicle on it – unless you live in London or Exeter!”
Elsewhere in England and Wales, as well as in Scotland, councils can use Traffic Regulation Orders to ban parking on specific streets (or in some cases through area-wide bans). “The result is ad hoc and confusing for pedestrians and motorists alike.”
Living Streets is supporting a second Private Members Bill on Pavement Parking led by Simon Hoare MP. The Bill aims to make the law in England and Wales the same as it is in London. A similar Bill (Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill) is moving through Scotland.
“We are not proposing an outright ban on pavement parking,” said Lee. “The key thing is that this Bill would ensure that it only takes place where is it safe and necessary to do so.”
Dr Rachel Lee will be speaking at Parking World, KIA Oval, 12 November.
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