02 September

Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport has responded to the announcement that government is planning a major shake-up on pavement parking.

The Department for Transport is consulting on three options in relation to pavement parking, which include:

• A nationwide ban
• Making it easier for councils to prohibit pavement parking
• Giving councils the power to fine offenders

Over recent years Sheffield City Council has consistently called for more powers to enforce against pavement parking, with the government accused by many for not doing enough to tackle the problem.

A change in policy has been muted for a while and last year the Council submitted written evidence to the government’s Transport Committee’s Pavement Parking Inquiry, saying it wants to find a “flexible solution” to tackle problematic and perilous parking.

News today that a change in law may be forthcoming has promoted a warm response from the Sheffield’s Cabinet Member for Transport, but a cautious tone was struck given the national government’s mishandling of this issue so far.

Labour Councillor Bob Johnson, Cabinet Member for Transport:

“Obstructive pavement parking presents dangers for people with disabilities or mobility restrictions, and for parents with buggies. It can also be dangerous for cyclists as cycle lanes often run on the footway. It’s not good enough and it has to be dealt with.

“For too long the government have done nothing and, badly, parked this issue.

“I’m aware of some shocking parking in Sheffield, and under Labour the Council has been forceful in asking government to give us the powers we need to sort out this problem.

“Of course it is hard to impose a total ban on pavement parking, as sometimes there is no option but to park partially over a kerb given the nature of many of Sheffield’s roads. But this should not be seen as an excuse across the city. This is why Labour are calling for localised enforcement powers.

“That the government have finally started listening and are putting forward proposals for consultation is welcome, but we need to ensure that any plans are right for Sheffield and properly tackle this issue.

“We will be responding to the consultation, keeping pressure on government, and will draw-up plans for what new powers could enable us to do locally”.