In areas across England, residents have long been frustrated by the problem of cars parked on pavements, which they say is leaving them in danger. The government has now announced plans to give councils new powers to fine offending motorists, a move that has been welcomed by those affected.
Rachel Zimbler, who lives in Stockport and is part of the Greater Manchester Sight Loss Council, described the issue as “very scary”, especially for blind or partially sighted people, wheelchair users, and parents with prams. “Having to go on to the road is very, very scary,” she said. “You literally go on to the road and get off as quickly as you possibly can to get back on a pavement that’s safe.”
Albert Moore, a resident of Harpurhey in Manchester, said pavement parking is a “huge problem” in his area. “Sometimes I can’t get my scooter in and out. Sometimes people with prams can’t get past,” he explained. “If you started fining people, it probably would help with it.”
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, the executive member for clean air, environment and transport at Manchester City Council, said the council has been lobbying successive governments for years to empower local authorities to better deal with the issue. “For us the key issue is safety and ensuring that people are able to get around without having to leave the pavement and make potentially dangerous diversions into the road,” she said.
The new powers, which are due to take effect later this year, will allow councils to issue fines to those who cause “unnecessary obstruction” by parking on the pavement. However, there have been some concerns about how the rules will be implemented, with motoring groups urging caution to ensure the measures are applied with discretion.
Afzal Khan, the Labour MP for Manchester Rusholme, has campaigned for tougher action on pavement parking, saying it has “forced young children, wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted people on to the busy roads” in the city. “If it is dangerous in London, then it is here in Manchester too,” he said.