Overview
- Legislation due in 2026 will let local authorities enforce against “unnecessary obstruction of the pavement.”
- Councils will be able to impose area-wide restrictions with exemptions where safe, including on narrow streets to keep traffic moving.
- National guidance on proportionate, locally appropriate enforcement is expected later in 2026, with practical rollout to follow.
- The new approach replaces slow street-by-street Traffic Regulation Orders; London and Scotland already prohibit pavement parking.
- Disability groups such as Guide Dogs welcomed the move, and the RAC cited research showing 83% of drivers support new rules.