Asked by: Baroness Howe of Idlicote (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of pavement parking on disabled pedestrians.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
In early 2019, the Department for Transport completed an evidence review of pavement parking in England, looking at the extent of the problem, the effectiveness of the current legislation and options for change. Department officials consulted with a wide range of stakeholders, including Guide Dogs, The Royal National Institute of Blind People and Living Streets, to ensure the safety of disabled pedestrians was considered in the review process.
Evidence from that review was provided to the Transport Select Committee as part of their inquiry into pavement parking in summer 2019. The Government has now responded to the committee setting out our intention to carry out a public consultation on possible solutions to this complex problem. The options include allowing local authorities with civil enforcement powers to enforce against unnecessary obstruction of the pavement, and introducing a London-style pavement parking prohibition across England.