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Government commits to
review pavement parking policy
A bill to strengthen and clarify
the law on pavement parking was withdrawn on 4 December 2015, following a
commitment from Government to undertake a policy review and convene a round
table in 2016, to further examine the implications of any legislative
change.
The Pavement Parking Private Members’ Bill 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.
Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking has worked with the
charity Guide Dogs to support Simon Hoare MP in asking other MPs to back the
Pavement Parking Private Members’ Bill which was due to be read on 4
December 2015.
Simon Hoare MP 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.
Robert Goodwill MP stated that improving
access for all pedestrians remains a priority for the Government. The
findings of the work being undertaken will be reported at a round table
which Living Streets and Guide Dogs look forward to attending.
Simon Hoare MP, said:- “Following detailed discussions, I have
withdrawn the bill, following The Minister’s commitment to convene a round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.”
Joe Irvin, Chief Executive, 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, Guide Dogs said:- “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
people who are living with sight loss 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. 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. We are Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking. We
want to create a walking nation, free from congested roads and pollution,
reducing the risk of preventable illness and social isolation and making
walking the natural choice. We believe that a walking nation means progress
for everyone. Our ambition is to get people of all generations to enjoy the
benefits that this simple act brings and to ensure all our streets are fit
for walking. For more than 85 years we’ve been a beacon for walking. In our
early days our campaigning led to the UK’s 1st zebra crossings and speed
limits. Now, our campaigns and local projects deliver real change to
overcome barriers to walking and our ground breaking initiatives such as the
world’s biggest Walk to School campaign encourage millions of people to
walk.”
But some have pointed out that, it might not be as clear cut as some might
like. Banning pavement parking might affect some businesses, who sometimes
have to park on pavements to unload heavy goods, when on narrow roads.
Others pointed out that more dangers are coursed on junctions by blue badge
holders than parking on pavements, in some places. What are your views? We
would love to know! Email us to
news24@southportreporter.com and tell us what you think the rules
should be!
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