Venson Automotive Solutions says:- "46% of UK motorists call for a pavement parking ban to protect vulnerable pedestrians"

MOTORISTS may soon be preparing for 1 of the biggest changes to UK parking legislation in decades; a pavement parking ban. While Whitehall considers options for nationwide parking laws, a survey by Venson Automotive Solutions suggests 46% of motorists questioned agree that pavement parking, already banned in:- London and Edinburgh, should be banned in other Cities and Towns. The accessibility of pavements for vulnerable pedestrians is the biggest cause of concern for motorists, followed by limitations for pedestrians to cross the road safely.

The potential of a pavement parking ban has come to light again following the promise by Labour to act upon a shelved 2020 Conservative consultation. Meanwhile, the Local Government Association (LGA) has long called for change to what it calls the:- 'scourge' of pavement parking.

Comments Simon Staton, Client Management Director for Venson Automotive Solutions:- "Pavement parking can cause numerous barriers to footway users including:- lack of space, degradation of surface quality, trip hazards and lack of safe spaces for crossing the road. So, it is reassuring to see drivers are recognising that the safety of vulnerable pedestrians, including:- the elderly, people with disabilities, the visually impaired and those with pushchairs and young children, is paramount."

While there is overall support for a pavement parking ban amongst UK motorists, 18% of drivers are against a ban, stating that there are already limited places for drivers to park. As fleets and businesses carry out last mile deliveries across the country, however, they can be reassured that a parking ban would not impede their progress. According to the Government consultation paper, delivery vehicles would be allowed a maximum 20 minute exemption, if their business cannot be reasonably conducted without being parked on a pavement.

The pavement parking ban options currently being considered by Government include placing power in the hands of local authorities, giving them the freedom to devise how and where to place parking bans. Government is also contemplating extending Council powers with local authorities able to:- "enforce unnecessary obstruction as a civil matter," or even implementing a national pavement parking ban across the country.

Despite the overwhelming support from drivers surveyed for a ban, Venson understands that the path to clearer footways is not simple. Barriers to making footpaths accessible include a lack of funding and bureaucratic regulations. Nevertheless, as research for the Government consultation found that 95% of visually impaired people had had a problem with vehicles parked on pavements in the previous year and 98% of wheelchair users, it seems that there is an urgency for these obstacles to be overcome.

Simon Staton concludes:- "Finding somewhere to park has always been an issue in crowded cities and Towns across the UK. While fleet and business drivers may sometimes struggle with parking, it is encouraging to witness motorists placing the good of society over bagging the best parking place. A ban on pavement parking makes sense, but a measured approach should be taken, that does not include a blanket ban on pavement parking. Local authorities are best placed to assess how parking should be managed in their communities, helping to make pathways clearer for all."

But laws already cover thing under dangerous driving and other rules under obstruction. The problem with an all out ban might not always be appropriate and catch the wrong motorists out.  What the majority of motorists we, Southport Reporter, have found in the past, that they are more interested in the enforcement of the rules that already exist. For example, parking on the clear way, along the Coastal Road into Southport, was never enforced since the Lockdowns in some sections. Also, laws on parking on junctions and blind bends are often not enforced, especially in Southport, in areas like the junction near the Bold Hotel.  Let us know your thoughts on this news topic... Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter.

Heartwarming video inspired by Home Alone 2 invites people to enjoy Southport this Christmas

A heartwarming new video inspired by the iconic movie:- 'Home Alone 2: Lost In New York' has been created to encourage people to enjoy all that Southport has to offer this Christmas.  The footage has been modelled on the scene where Kevin McCallister realises he is in New York and has lost his family, and then embarks on a wondrous journey discovering the delights of the Big Apple.  It has been filmed and directed by Your Southport Marketing Manager Bertie Cunningham, from Southport BID, to give Southport a boost during the festive season. The video has been an instant hit with viewers, attracting tens of thousands of views.  The star of the short film is 10 year old local boy Paddy O'Callaghan, a pupil at Farnborough Road Junior School in Southport.

Bertie Cunningham said:- "I got the idea while watching Home Alone 2: Lost In New York. It's a brilliant movie. There is a magical scene where Kevin arrives at the airport in New York and is horrified when he realises he has lost his family, who have all flown to Florida. Then his reaction turns to joy when he gets in a cab, travels over the Brooklyn Bridge and goes on to explore New York, a City he loves. From a child's perspective, going on such a big adventure, it's really exciting. I wanted to recreate that sense of wonder by filming Paddy travelling in a taxi over the Marine Way Bridge in Southport, before admiring local scenes in Southport including:- Silcock's Funland, Southport Market, the giant illuminated Bear and Reindeer, and then finishing at Harry's Sky Bar at The Grand, looking out across Lord Street, with a sweeping drone shot showing off Southport at its best. We sourced the best clothes to match Kevin's character, and found an identical camera to go with it. Volunteers from the local crochet group, the Southport Hookers, designed and made his hat. Paddy is a big fan of Home Alone, and was excited to do some acting for us. We want to encourage people from everywhere to come out and enjoy Christmas shopping in Southport, stay in local hotels and guest houses, share a meal at 1 of our local restaurants or visit:- some of the local attractions. There is a lot happening for people to enjoy in Southport this Christmas and we hope people enjoy this video."