The Transport Committee has launched an inquiry to explore the problems of pavement parking in England and consider possible solutions – including a ban.

Research carried out last year found 55% of the public don’t want a pavement parking ban despite the issues for pedestrians and the emergency services

The practice has already been banned by default in London for more than 40 years, and is currently in the process of being outlawed in Scotland but is still generally allowed in England. That’s despite Department for Transport suggestions of a pavement parking review some three years ago, which was not carried out, as well as a year ago.

Police and local authorities can use a range of criminal and civil sanctions to enforce restrictions on pavement parking on private or commercial drivers, but the Local Government Association (LGA) has previously said it’s a time-consuming, expensive and bureaucratic process for councils.

The subject has now come under the focus of a Transport Committee inquiry for England.

Open until 14th May 2019, the inquiry is open to written evidence on the following:

• The impact of pavement parking
• The enforcement of pavement parking offences
• Enforcement and, if necessary, reform of traffic regulation orders needed to deal with pavement parking

Chair of the Committee, Lilian Greenwood MP said: “This is an area where some people’s actions cause real difficulties for others. Parking on pavements risks the safety of all groups of people from the littlest to the oldest, with differing needs. While we’re also inquiring into active travel – how we get more people to get into walking and cycling – we need to make sure it’s safe to take to the streets. We want to hear from the public about the difficulties this presents and the solutions on offer.”

The inquiry has been welcomed by the AA. President Edmund King said: “It is right that anti-social pavement parking, which prevents and restricts wheelchair users, blind & partially sighted people and pushchairs travelling around our communities must be tackled. However, a blanket ban would be a step too far.

“A street-by-street assessment is needed to decide where it may be suitable to allow pavement parking. Where pavement parking is allowed, seven out of 10 (70%**) drivers say the bays should be marked out to show how much of the pavement can be used.

“Pavement parking poses problems on both inner city streets and rural lanes, so the outcome needs to be tailored to the circumstances.”

To submit evidence, visit the Pavement Parking inquiry page.