Overview

This bill aims to improve safety and accessibility for vulnerable pedestrians in England and Wales by clarifying and strengthening the law on pavement parking. It gives highway authorities greater power to control parking on pavements, verges, and central reservations, making it a civil offence in most cases.

Description

The Pavement Parking (Protection of Vulnerable Pedestrians) Bill amends the Road Traffic Act 1988 to create a new offence: parking a motor vehicle, wholly or partly, on a verge or footway of an urban road. This is a civil offence, subject to regulations. Highway authorities can, however, authorize pavement parking in specific areas through resolution or notice. The bill defines "urban road" and clarifies the meaning of "verge" and "footway". The bill also makes consequential amendments to the Traffic Management Act 2004, to include the new pavement parking offence in its framework for traffic contraventions. The Secretary of State will create regulations for exemptions, signage, and setting appropriate fine levels following public consultation. Statutory guidance will be provided to civil enforcement authorities, prioritizing enforcement in areas with existing Traffic Regulation Orders or where pavement parking has been formally reported.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify government spending figures. However, it anticipates costs associated with the creation and dissemination of regulations and guidance, as well as potential increased administrative costs for local authorities involved in enforcement.

Groups Affected

• Drivers: May face fines for parking on pavements unless explicitly permitted.
• Vulnerable pedestrians (disabled people, older people, parents with young children): Will benefit from increased safety and easier movement.
• Highway authorities: Gain greater powers to manage pavement parking and may incur additional enforcement costs.
• Civil enforcement authorities: Will be responsible for enforcement and will receive guidance on prioritizing cases.
• Businesses: May be affected if pavement parking near their premises is restricted.

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