Local councils are to be handed powers to decide where they want to stop residents from parking on walkways under new Government rules
Certain motorists could be slapped with penalties for parking outside their own front doors under stringent new regulations. The Government has unveiled a fresh nationwide prohibition on pavement parking.
Local councils are set to be granted authority to determine where they wish to prevent residents from dumping cars on footpaths. Therefore, for some householders, this could mean they’re barred from parking on pavements directly outside their own homes, reports Birmingham Live.
Instead of a blanket prohibition, local authorities are expected to cherry-pick areas where footpaths must remain unobstructed. This is expected to encompass town and city centres alongside congested roads.
Regulations may be implemented on certain quieter residential streets, though it’s probable many of these locations will remain untouched unless there are particular worries. Nevertheless, numerous residents are poised to be affected by the parking legislation alterations.
A prohibition would operate similarly to double yellow lines, with fresh signage expected to appear, whilst rule-breakers face penalties. Alterations are unlikely to take effect until later this year at the very earliest.
The initiatives will seek to enhance safety for vulnerable pedestrians including the elderly, disabled and parents with small children.
Birmingham City Council has embraced the announcement and states it plans to utilise the new powers.
Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport at the city council, declared: “We welcome the Government’s decision to grant councils new powers to keep pavements clear. These powers will help us make our pavements safer, more accessible and more inclusive for everyone who relies on them.”
He went on: “Inconsiderate and illegal pavement parking creates barriers to walking and cycling and for those who need mobility aids, and can contribute to road collisions. These new measures, which we have been pushing for, will go a long way to help communities move safely around the city.”
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