Pavement parking ban considered in Wiltshire amid crackdown

Pavement parking has been banned in cities such as London and Sheffield, but no national laws have been implemented to crack down on the issue.

Earlier this year a government consultation concluded that a “national prohibition might be inappropriate” and that “local authorities are best placed” to rule on any potential bans.

Wiltshire Council is yet to introduce such a ban, despite the policy receiving support from sight charities, but refused to rule out implementing the measures in the future.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, the cabinet member for transport, said: “The enforcement of pavement and other parking offences is regularly reviewed. 

Cars parked on the pavement in Wiltshire (Image: Trevor Porter)

“During any policy review, we will consider the powers already available for use, such as pavement parking bans, and decisions will be dependent on enforcement priorities and available resources.

“Residents who have particular concerns over pavement obstructions can report these to the police and for ongoing parking issues on restricted single or double yellow lines to the council using our MyWilts reporting platform at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywilts.” 

In the meantime, the council warned that those who cause obstructions for pedestrians will be targeted by police, while civil enforcement officers can issue fines to those parking on pavements or verges adjacent to double yellow lines.

Police recently warned residents of Royal Wootton Bassett about parking on pavements and corners after spotting one offender parked on the corner of a junction near a primary school.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Parking such as this causes issues with visibility whilst using the junction, restricts emergency service vehicle access and pedestrians crossing the road.”

A car parked on the pavement in Wiltshire (Image: Trevor Porter)

Driving on pavements is currently prohibited, as is parking in a way that prevents pedestrians from using the footway, and the council urged locals to report such instances to police.

Cllr Thomas added: “Driving on a footway or pavement is an offence under the Highways Act 1835 and is also prohibited by rule 145 of the Highway Code.  

“To park on a pavement in such a manner as to obstruct pedestrians from moving along it is an offence and as such the police can take enforcement action for these offences when they deem it appropriate.

“In addition, people who park on pavements or verges adjacent to a carriageway with yellow lines can be issued with a fixed penalty notice by our civil enforcement officers.”