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English Councils to Get Area-Wide Powers to Enforce Pavement Parking Rules

The change follows a 2020 consultation that found widespread support for action.

Overview

  • The Department for Transport confirmed today that councils across England will be able to introduce and enforce pavement‑parking restrictions, with fines for offenders.
  • The new framework allows area‑wide measures instead of street‑by‑street orders, with scope for local exemptions where parking on the kerb is judged safe or necessary.
  • Official guidance will be issued later this year to set out proportionate use of the powers, with local action expected to follow later in 2026.
  • Disability charities, including Guide Dogs, welcomed the move as a step to restore safe, accessible pavements for people with sight loss and mobility needs.
  • Motoring group the RAC backed targeted enforcement while urging councils to permit partial kerb parking where it helps traffic flow without hindering pedestrians.