On 31 August the UK government launched an open consultation, ‘Pavement parking: options for change’, which will seek views on the often controversial subject of vehicles obstructing public footpaths in England. The consultation will close on 22 November, 2020.

In response to the consultation, Natalie Chapman, Head of Urban Policy at Logistics UK said, “Logistics UK’s members agree that pavements are for pedestrian use first and foremost – their safety and access must come first – and this is particularly important for vulnerable groups such as wheelchair and pushchair users and for the blind and partially sighted.”

“But we must also ensure the government considers the needs of logistics in its decision making to ensure that goods can keep moving efficiently and effectively through our towns and cities. For example, the government must ensure a pavement parking ban does not further narrow residential streets where cars currently park partially on the pavement, as it could prevent access for refuse collection vehicles, home deliveries and emergency services.”

“In addition, there will be occasions where commercial vehicles need temporary pavement access for loading or unloading goods to prevent blocking the road to passing traffic. We will be submitting a response to the consultation to ensure the government’s strategy takes these situations into account and puts appropriate exemptions in place.”

Parking on pavements in Greater London has - with certain exceptions - been prohibited since 1974. A national prohibition was enacted in Scotland in November 2019 but has yet to come into force. The reverse applies elsewhere in England, where parking on pavements and verges is currently permitted unless specifically outlawed by a local authority.