Keir Starmer's Government is handing more powers to local councils to enforce new rules on pavement parking, marking a major crackdown on the issue as the Prime Minister prepares to step down.
Councils to Gain Enforcement Authority
Local authorities will be able to ban parking on footpaths on streets of their choosing. Councils have been invited to apply for the powers, and Birmingham City Council has confirmed it will do so. BirminghamLive understands the city council is waiting to hear more information from the Government about the process.
Rather than a blanket city-wide ban, pavement parking restrictions are expected to be focused on certain streets, with the city centre and busy roads likely to be prioritised. Quieter residential streets are unlikely to be included unless there are specific concerns.
Campaigners Welcome Long-Awaited Change
Campaigners have called for these laws to be rolled out nationally for years to improve safety for vulnerable groups of pedestrians, including the elderly, disabled, and parents with young children. Motorists will face fines for rule-breaking once the new laws come into force. Enforcement would likely work in a similar way to double yellow lines, with traffic wardens monitoring streets.
Local Official Supports Move
Councillor Majid Mahmood, Birmingham's former roads boss, said recently: "These powers will help us make our pavements safer, more accessible and more inclusive for everyone who relies on them. Inconsiderate and illegal pavement parking creates barriers to walking and cycling and for those who need mobility aids, and can contribute to road collisions."
