A new study of walking, wheeling and cycling across the UK and Ireland has found that banning pavement parking would help 70% of all residents to walk or wheel more.
Sustrans’ Walking and Cycling Index has highlighted several barriers which people face when walking, wheeling and cycling in their local areas, which included the obstruction caused by pavement parking. Additionally, 72% of residents think wider pavements would encourage active travel.
Pavement parking is currently prohibited in London, with the UK government now considering extending this across England. The Scottish government is set to introduce a ban on pavement parking in 2023.
Responding to the report, Cllr David Renard, Local Government Association, transport spokesperson, said: “Pavement parking and damaged pavements is one of the biggest complaints from pedestrians – and not just in London. Similarly, repairing kerbs and pavements damaged by pavement parking is expensive and this funding could be better used to repair potholes, support local buses and provide more suitable parking.
“We have long-called for councils across the whole country to be able to take individual local decisions about whether to introduce a ban on pavement parking. It was disappointing the Queen’s Speech did not give councils the powers they need to tackle the scourge of pavement parking, which presents a danger to pedestrians and vulnerable people.
“We urge the government to take urgent action and make our streets safer for everyone.”
Sustrans surveyed more than 24,000 people from 18 cities and areas across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Each report looks at infrastructure, travel behaviour, the impact of cycling, and new initiatives.
