Road users across the United Kingdom may not be permitted to park on any part of the sidewalk in the future.
A recent House of Commons Transport Committee inquiry into pavement parking has led some parties to call for a total ban on the practice. Parking on a part of the pavement is already banned in London and is in the process of being outlawed in Scotland as well.
IAM RoadSmart, a British charity, says enforcing a blanket ban on pavement parking will leave thousands across the country without areas to park their vehicles, Fleetworld reports.
“New traffic orders, new signposting, new road markings and new enforcement administration will all be required at extra cost if a blanket ban is introduced,” charity director of policy and research Neil Greig said. “Councils are already struggling to implement low emission zones, cycling and walking policies, active travel policies, 20mph zones and a host for other transport measures against a background of budget cuts and dwindling resources.”
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Some who are arguing for the ban claim that pavement parking creates problems for those with visual difficulties, locals who use mobility aids, and for those who walk on the sidewalk with children.
IAM RoadSmart believes that the best way to address these problems is to do so on a local council level, meaning areas where pavement parking doesn’t adversely impact locals won’t have the practice outlawed.
“Local councils should be encouraged to use their existing powers to sign, define, review and enforce local bans as required,” the charity said.
In many areas across the UK, drivers are forced to park on the sidewalk in front of their houses if they lack a private parking space.
