Local authorities including Ealing Council are to be given new powers to tackle pavement parking under changes announced by the Department for Transport.
Following a public consultation which took place in autumn 2020, government ministers have now said councils in England will be able to introduce area-wide pavement parking restrictions, replacing a system they described as complex and ineffective. Councils would also be able to allow exemptions where pavement parking is considered necessary.
Campaigners say pavement parking can make routes impassable for wheelchair users and people with sight loss, and narrow space for other pedestrians.
The local transport minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Clear pavements are essential for people to move around safely and independently, whether that’s a parent with a pushchair, someone using a wheelchair, or a blind or partially sighted person.”
Ms Greenwood added: “That’s why we’re giving local authorities the power to crack down on problem pavement parking, allowing more people to travel easily and safely and get to where they need to go.
Disability charities welcomed the announcement. Guide Dogs’ chief executive, Andrew Lennox, said: “Cars blocking pavements are a nuisance for everyone, but especially dangerous for people with sight loss, who can be forced into the road with traffic they can’t see.”
Motoring groups also backed the move. Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, said the proposals would allow councils to act where pavement parking causes problems, while still permitting it in places where it helps traffic flow and does not inconvenience pedestrians.
Guidance on how councils such as Ealing should use the new powers is expected later in 2026.
