Over 50 per cent of people want new laws introduced to ban drivers from parking on pavements across the UK to help protect older and vulnerable people from injury.
The new data follows a plea by the Local Government Association (LGA) which said a ban would create safer neighbourhoods and communities.
The LGA represents councils in England and Wales and called the suggested change of rules “long overdue”.
A ban on illegal parking would also encourage more walking and cycling, according to the LGA, and help the Government meet its target of 50 per cent of journeys in urban areas to be walked or cycled by 2030.
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A ban on illegal parking would encourage more walking and cycling, according to the LGA
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Startline Motor Finance research found that 28 per cent of people view parking on pavements as “just lazy” while 23 per cent want motorists to leave the walkway clear for pedestrians.
Despite the pleas, almost a quarter of Britons noted that it’s possible to park on pavements and still leave enough space for pedestrians.
Of those admitting to parking on the pavement, 14 per cent insisted they only do so for short stays.
It is currently illegal to park on the pavement in London but in some cases, there are no other options.
In Scotland, from 11 December 2023, local authorities can begin enforcing the new laws, meaning drivers could be fined £100 for kerb parking.
Baroness Vere of Norbiton, parliamentary under-secretary of state for the Department for Transport, said: “I know that pavement parking can cause real problems for pedestrians, but particularly for wheelchair users, people with visual impairments and those with prams or buggies.
“We are also told that the current legislative framework may not be as clear or effective as it could be. These are important concerns, and I take them seriously.”
She added that it’s important to recognise that in many narrow streets pavement parking is necessary to maintain free-flowing traffic, including for emergency services.
In order for footways to be accessible for all, the LGA detailed how it needs to allow all potential users to be able to safely complete their desired walking or wheeling journey without facing difficulty.
One of the key drivers for the new law preventing cars on the kerb is to ensure people with disabilities or vulnerabilities avoid encountering any problems.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance explained: “The research clearly shows quite a lot of annoyance around pavement parking and drivers not leaving enough space for pedestrians to get by, which is understandable, although there is some pushback from drivers who believe you can pavement park responsibly.
“Our suspicion is that many people don’t realise that parking on the pavement is illegal almost everywhere unless signage says it is allowed, and there is probably an argument for making the situation clearer, which is effectively what the LGA is demanding.”
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Scotland banned pavement parking in December after an extensive consultation period
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The Government in Wales is also set to introduce new laws banning the practice of kerb parking in the near future.