New powers for councils in England to fine pavement parkers
BBC••world
Key Points:
- Councils across England will receive new powers later this year to fine motorists who park on pavements causing unnecessary obstruction, aiming to improve safety for pedestrians including blind people, parents with pushchairs, and wheelchair users.
- Currently, only police can fine for obstruction or dangerous parking, while councils can only enforce pavement parking restrictions on specific streets with prior consultation and signage, which limits widespread enforcement.
- The government plans to introduce these powers without requiring additional traffic signs, allowing local authorities discretion in defining "unnecessary obstruction" and tailoring policies, including possible exemptions.
- The move follows criticism of years of inaction and a split public opinion on exemptions such as a proposed 20-minute allowance for delivery vehicles, with concerns about enforcement consistency and potential
