Major driving law changes being 'carefully considered' to crack down on parking issues
New laws could be introduced in the coming years to deal with pavement parking
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The Government has responded to a popular petition which calls for major new laws to be introduced to clamp down on illegal parking.
A petition was launched in September urging the Government to implement national restrictions on pavement parking.
Currently, pavement parking is only an enforceable act if it is done on roads in London and has been the case since 1974.
If someone were to park on the pavement in London, they could be slapped with a fine of between £65 and £130.
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Many people have been calling on the Government to introduce changes and protect pedestrians and vulnerable people from obstructions.
The petition, which has attracted almost 12,500 signatures, is urging the Government to “legislate restricting pavement parking” unless local exemptions exist.
It added: “Cars on pavements can make it difficult for people to get to work, education, or social activities.
“The constant fear that cars will block their way can also reduce peoples’ confidence to leave their house alone.”
Once a petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the relevant Government department will respond to the call to action.
In this case, a spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “This highly important issue is complex and involves many conflicting factors.
“The Government needs to get this right and is carefully considering the issues before deciding the way forward.”
A consultation was launched in 2020, with the Government looking at the best ways to tackle pavement parking, although no legislation or action has been announced.
More than 15,000 detailed responses have been given to the consultation, with the Government giving “careful consideration” to the findings.
The statement continued, saying: “We want to take the right step for communities and ensure that local authorities have appropriate and effective tools at their disposal.
"We are working through the options and how they can be delivered. Once this is concluded we will publish our formal response to the consultation.
“In the meantime, local authorities have the powers to restrict pavement parking wherever there is a need, by introducing Traffic Regulation Orders.”
The Highway Code addresses the issue with rule 244, stating that drivers must not park partially or wholly on the pavement, and should not do so unless signs permit it.
It highlights how this can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs, those with visual impairments and people pushing prams or pushchairs.
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Drivers in London could be charged £130 for parking on the pavement
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The petition will run until March 5, 2024, at which point it has to attract a further 87,000 signatures to be considered for a debate in Parliament.