The Government has announced proposals that could make pavements safer for people with disabilities and also families – news which has been welcomed by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson.
Parking on pavements is a serious inconvenience and danger for many people - in particular for people with visual or mobility impairments, those assisted by guide dogs, and wheelchair and mobility scooter users. More than 95% of wheelchair users and people with visual impairments say they had problems with vehicles parked on pavements.
In order to address this issue, the Government has launched a public consultation setting out potential measures to resolve the problem. Three options are proposed in the consultation launched today – improving the traffic regulation order process to make it easier for councils to prohibit pavement parking in their areas, giving councils powers to fine drivers who park on paths, and a London-style nationwide ban on pavement parking.
The consultation is the government’s latest step to deliver on commitments to make transport equally accessible for all users by 2030, as set out in the Inclusive Transport Strategy.
Justin Tomlinson said: “Selfish parking on pavements presents a clear safety risk, forcing vulnerable pedestrians to move into the road. As Minister for Disabled People, I am concerned that these obstructions to pavements create a significant barrier to people with visual or mobility impairments carrying out daily journeys – which in turn decreases independence and contributes to isolation. I am very pleased that the Government is looking at how we can tackle pavement parking and make pavements accessible to everyone.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Parking on pavements means wheelchair users, visually impaired people and parents with pushchairs can be forced into the road, which is not only dangerous but discourages people from making journeys.
“A key part of our green, post-COVID recovery will be encouraging more people to choose active travel, such as walking, so it is vital that we make the nation’s pavements accessible for everyone”
To contribute to the consultation visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/managing-pavement-parking
