Government commits to reviewing pavement parking policy

MP withdraws Private Member’s Bill after Department for Transport agrees to round table discussions

The prospect of a more coherent nationwide approach to the regulation of pavement parking drew a little bit closer today (4 December) after the government committed to undertake a policy review and to convene a round table next year to examine the implications of any legislative change.

A Private Member’s Bill that sought to strengthen and clarify the law on pavement parking, which had been due to have its second reading in the House of Commons today, was withdrawn following the government’s announcement.

The Pavement Parking Private Members’ Bill, proposed by Simon Hoare MP, called for the law on pavement parking to be strengthened – only allowing people to park on pavements that have been specially designated to allow it, making it the exception rather than the rule.

At the moment, pavement parking is banned in London unless specifically authorised. The opposite situation exists outside the capital, with parking on pavements allowed unless specifically prohibited.

Hoare withdrew the bill in response to an announcement from the government that they will undertake a policy review with stakeholders to examine the legal and financial implications of an alternative regime and the likely impact on local authorities. Transport minister Robert Goodwill MP stated that improving access for all pedestrians remains a priority for the government.

Hoare said: “Following detailed discussions, I have withdrawn the bill today following the minister’s commitment to convene a round table and undertake a policy review. This response demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving access for all pedestrians including disabled and vulnerable people. A government examination of the current issues gives us the best opportunity of securing government backing for legislative change. I would like to thank my Parliamentary colleagues and the public who have supported this Bill in raising the profile of a need for a review of the current law.”

The Pavement Parking (Protection of Vulnerable Pedestrians) Bill is supported by a broad coalition of organisations including the Local Government Association, the British Parking Association and charities such as Living Streets, which promotes everyday walking, and Guide Dogs. In recent months Living Streets and Guide Dogs have been asking other MPs to back Hoare's Private Members’ Bill.

Joe Irvin, chief executive at Living Streets, said: “This is an important and positive step towards limiting the danger pavement parking poses to pedestrians in England and Wales. Our streets should be easy and accessible to walk on and vehicles parked on pavements cause an obstruction to all. At best, pavement parking is a nuisance and at worst it can put people’s safety at risk by forcing them into the road.

“We know that pavement parking is an issue that many people care passionately about with nearly 2,500 people writing to their MP asking them to back the bill. Now it’s crucial that the government acts promptly to see through its commitment to examine the issue properly. Along with Guide Dogs, we look forward to working with the government on their review of pavement parking legislation and positively informing decisions next year.“

James White, senior campaign manager at Guide Dogs, added: “We are pleased that the government has recognised the scale of the problem that pavement parking causes. It is the most common street obstruction that blind and partially sighted people encounter and frequently forces people out onto the road and into oncoming traffic. For someone with sight loss this is an extremely dangerous and frightening situation.

“We look forward to working with the government in the New Year on their review and ensuring that any work they do addresses the impact that pavement parking has on people with sight loss.”