After years of negotiations, local councils across England will soon have the power to fine drivers for parking on the pavement. Under the new rules, first outlined earlier this year, instead of relying on police enforcement, councils will take charge, using civil enforcement officers to monitor and fine offenders.
The shift aims to make enforcement more consistent and more effective. The change comes via the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, with full rollout expected by the end of the year, giving councils time to set up clear rules, signage and fair enforcement strategies. Pavement parking is currently banned outright in London and Scotland, while councils elsewhere in England can enforce restrictions in specific streets. However, the old system has been criticised as being a “lengthy, complex process”.
Currently, police officers can fine those who cause obstruction or leave their vehicles in a dangerous position. However, council enforcement officers can only fine pavement parkers who breach an on-road rule, such as a parking restriction or a double yellow line. There are separate rules for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said “problem” pavement parking was causing issues for blind people, parents with pushchairs and those in wheelchairs, adding that clear pavements were “essential for people to move around safely”.
The new regulations come after years of discussions and amendments to ban pavement parking, which had been subject to a consultation in 2020 under the previous Tory Government. The Bill finally received Royal Assent earlier this week.
Under the English Devolution Act, cars will be banned from parking on pavements nationwide. It will also introduce new licensing powers for rental electric bikes, allowing local authorities to set requirements for parking, safety and accessibility.
Chris Theobald, Senior Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs, said the organisation was “delighted” that the new rules were being introduced following “decades of campaigning”.
He said: “We welcome the Government’s swift action to prioritise pedestrian safety following the announcement in January that local authorities will be empowered to manage pavement parking in line with the needs of their communities,” adding that he was looking forward to working with Sir Keir Starmer‘s government and councils to develop the details of the rules.
“It’s essential these are developed and enforced quickly to ensure that everyone can get from A to B without being stopped or forced into the road.”
Through the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, cars are banned from pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs across Scotland. The rules, officially introduced in December 2023, gave local authorities the power to enforce the law and issue fines of £100, which would be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.