UK drivers warned as councils get stronger pavement parking powers

Councils given new powers to penalise pavement parking

Councils given new powers to penalise pavement parking across England Drivers across England could face new pavement parking penalties as councils are given greater powers to tackle vehicles blocking pavements and creating problems for pedestrians. The changes are designed to give local authorities more flexibility over pavement parking, with restrictions potentially covering wider areas instead of being dealt with street by street. Pavement parking rules set to change Under the new approach, councils will have discretion to issue penalties where pavement parking causes an unnecessary obstruction. A key change for motorists is that councils will not be required to introduce additional traffic signs when using the new powers. The Department for Transport said the measures are intended to help keep pavements clear for wheelchair users, visually impaired people and parents using pushchairs. Previously, councils faced a more complicated process when introducing pavement parking restrictions, with controls generally requiring lengthy street-by-street procedures. The new powers are intended to reduce that complexity and allow councils to deal with pavement parking across wider areas where appropriate. For drivers, this means parking partly or fully on a pavement could become a greater enforcement risk in areas where councils decide to use the new powers. The changes are not entirely new to London, where pavement parking restrictions already apply, but the latest plans could give councils elsewhere in England greater control. The Department for Transport is expected to issue guidance to local authorities later in 2026, with the changes then being introduced gradually. The RAC has welcomed the move, with senior policy officer Rod Dennis saying the proposals could allow councils to prevent pavement parking where it causes problems while still allowing some pavement parking where it does not inconvenience others. The issue has long involved a difficult balance between keeping pavements accessible and allowing traffic to continue moving, particularly on roads where parked vehicles can make passing difficult. The government says the changes are aimed at protecting people who rely on clear pavements, while giving councils the flexibility to decide what works for their local communities. Drivers should therefore pay close attention to parking restrictions in their area as councils begin considering how the new powers could be used. With additional signage not required under the proposals, motorists may also need to be particularly careful about where they leave their vehicles rather than relying solely on newly installed signs. The changes could ultimately lead to more consistent action against obstructive pavement parking, but the way individual councils apply the powers will determine what they mean for drivers in different parts of England.