Kevin FitzpatrickManchester political reporter
Angry residents in areas where parked cars cause a menace by blocking pavements outside their homes have welcomed government plans to help tackle the problem.
Councils across England are to be given more powers to fine offending motorists after some people said the problem was leaving them “scared” and in danger.
The new powers are due to take effect later this year, alongside guidance on how the rules can be enforced in a “proportionate” way.
But a motoring group has urged caution due to a lack of road space for vehicles.
Rachel Zimbler, who lives in Stockport and is part of the Greater Manchester Sight Loss Council, said: “On a daily basis, if you go out, you’re never sure of what you’re going to be coming across.
“Having to go on to the road is very, very scary, not just for blind or partially sighted people, for those who may be in a wheelchair, people who have prams, pushchairs, young people, it can be very dangerous.
“Especially when you can’t see. You literally go on to the road and get off as quickly as you possibly can to get back on a pavement that’s safe.”
Albert Moore, lives in Harpurhey in Manchester, where residents have been frustrated with the issue for years.
He said: “Sometimes I can’t get my scooter in and out. Sometimes people with prams can’t get past. If you started fining people, it probably would help with it.”
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, executive member for clean air, environment and transport at Manchester City Council, said: “Going back at least five years, the council has lobbied successive governments to empower local authorities so we can better deal with pavement parking.
“For us the key issue is safety and ensuring that people are able to get around without having to leave the pavement and make potentially dangerous diversions into the road.
“This is especially important for people with mobility issues or disabilities, people with sight issues or wheelchair users, as well as for parents with buggies.
“At best it can be an inconvenience, at worst it is simply dangerous. We’re pleased that we may soon have power to take action.”
In a policy document published on Thursday, the Department for Transport said that it plans to give councils new powers to issue fines to those who cause “unnecessary obstruction” when parking on the pavement.
It said the new legal powers would be delivered “in due course” and would not require “additional traffic signage”.
The document did not specify how “unnecessary obstruction” would be defined – instead saying it would be at the discretion of council enforcement officers.
However, there have been concerns about how the new powers might be used.
‘Inconsiderate’
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “Our research shows a clear majority of drivers agree that no pavement user should be made to walk or wheel into the road because of someone else’s inconsiderate parking.
“These proposals should clear the way for councils to prevent pavement parking where it causes problems, but permit drivers to partially park on pavements where doing so helps keep traffic flowing and doesn’t inconvenience other people.”
Brian Gregory, from the Alliance of British Drivers, said: “This policy needs to be interpreted with discretion because otherwise it will just be an opportunity for councils to run riot with more revenue-raising powers that are are not properly regulated.”
Afzal Khan, the Labour MP for Manchester Rusholme, has campaigned for tougher action on the issue and raised it in parliament.
He said: “For too long pavement parking has forced young children, wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted people on to the busy roads here in Manchester.
“If it is dangerous in London, then it is here in Manchester too.”
