Motorists could be hit with a raft of new driving laws in the coming months, forcing them to quickly adapt to new rules. The Government is mulling over a nationwide ban on pavement parking.
While it’s already prohibited in London, the ban could soon extend across England, much to the chagrin of many drivers.
This would mark a significant shift for motorists outside the capital, raising questions about how such rules would be enforced nationwide. A national pavement parking ban was previously considered by the former Conservative Government, but no final decision was reached.
Advocates argue that a ban is necessary to enhance safety, especially for disabled individuals and parents with prams who may be forced onto the road due to insufficient space to bypass parked cars. Indications suggest that the new Labour Government may be prepared to implement the ban.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has previously voiced her support for the measures to safeguard vulnerable pedestrians while in opposition. However, this could pose issues for residents residing on Britain’s narrow and congested main streets, particularly those without driveways or who own multiple vehicles.
A recent YourParkingSpace poll has found only a minority, 39%, of over 2,000 drivers back a pavement parking ban. The divide sets safety advocates against vehicle owners, and with keen insight, Andy Syrett, YourParkingSpace’s UK managing director, remarked: “While there is some support for enforcing a blanket ban it is by no means overwhelming. Whatever the Government decides to do regarding pavement parking it is going to be controversial and not please everyone.”