House of Commons · Westminster Hall
03 September 2025 · 26 other contributors · 9,901 words
Opened by Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell
Responding minister: Lilian Greenwood
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Helen Maguire raised concerns about pavement parking in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The lead MP asks for a default national prohibition with local exceptions to ban pavement parking throughout England, in line with London's rules, providing clarity for drivers and ensuring pavements are safe for everyone.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
People are forced into the road due to blocked pavements, risking danger for parents with prams, wheelchair users, and people with sight loss. According to research, 62% of over-65s in England are worried about obstructions on the pavement, four out of five blind or partially sighted people face difficulties walking on the pavement weekly, and 99% of wheelchair users have been forced into the road because of it.
Agrees that pavement parking decreases active travel and prevents vulnerable people from safely accessing their community.
Agrees that good public transport is essential for reducing car dependency. Supports consistent regulation of pavement parking.
Asked about the implementation of the pavement parking policy on roads that are partly in London and partly in a different area.
Describes personal experience meeting someone affected by pavement parking and supports a national ban based on Edinburgh's successful implementation. Emphasizes positive outcomes for people with visual impairments, disabled individuals, and parents.
Pavement parking impacts people with disabilities, parents with pushchairs, children on scooters and balance bikes, and dog walkers. The Government should provide further powers to local authorities to tackle the issue.
Highlights challenges faced by local authorities in implementing a blanket ban on pavement parking with exemptions, urging the government to provide necessary resources for effective enforcement.
He congratulated Helen Maguire on securing the debate and emphasised that pavement parking touches upon safety, accessibility, and dignity in every community. Acknowledges the challenges posed by new build areas and estates, urging the Minister to come forward with practical steps and a realistic timeline.
Highlights the issue in Polegate, describing it as a crisis affecting residents daily due to cars blocking pavements. Calls for urgent action to empower local authorities and enforce parking rules effectively.
Agrees that pavement parking can increase social isolation among constituents by causing anxiety about going out on pavements.
Highlights unacceptable situations where pedestrians are blocked on pavements, especially outside schools, and calls for a national plan to empower local authorities. Congratulates Langney primary academy for its efforts in safeguarding schoolchildren.
Shares an example of how pavement parking affects elderly individuals with mobility issues and care workers, highlighting the need for effective enforcement and national guidance.
Pavement parking is causing particular distress for pedestrians with young children, disabilities or sight loss. In Shrewsbury, the issue crops up time and again on narrow streets.
Commissioned new research to update and strengthen the evidence base on the extent and impact of pavement parking, and will make an announcement soon.
A Chelmsford resident was forced to walk in the road with her elderly grandmother due to cars obstructing the pavement. The use of traffic regulation orders is slow and costly.
The hon. Member agrees that pavement parking is a circular problem and encourages consistency in tackling it, as proposed by the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell.
Discusses the impact on families with young children, people with disabilities, and elderly residents in Ribble Valley. Emphasises the need for clear guidance from local authorities and police to tackle pavement parking.
Banning pavement parking would benefit visually impaired constituents. Placing street furniture such as A-boards on streets in Surrey presents huge obstructions to visually impaired people.
Highlights the danger of pushing vulnerable road users onto roads due to pavement parking and suggests fining persistent offenders.
He commended Helen Maguire for securing the debate and highlighted inconsistent rules across the country, advocating for local authorities' role in dialogue with flexibility for specific locations. He also mentioned the impact of cars parked on pavements blocking cycle paths.
Supports the need for local authorities to make decisions on a street-by-street basis regarding pavement parking.
Welcomes the debate and discusses the impact of pavement parking on pedestrians, cyclists, children, and businesses in York. Emphasises the need for clear space on roads and calls for better enforcement. Asks why the previous Conservative Government did not act on pavement parking despite being in power during the time of public consultation.
The Transport Committee recommended a nationwide ban on pavement parking enforced by local authorities, not just the police, with specific exemptions where needed.
The hon. Member supports councils having the power to fine for pavement parking and suggests an awareness campaign asking people to be more considerate.
Supports having a consistent system across London and outside, advocating for councils to take tougher action against pavement parking.
Representing the city of Wells, she highlighted that delivery vehicles parking on pavements break paving slabs, creating peril for people with accessibility problems. She emphasised the need to address this issue soon.
Measures have been introduced in Scotland, Wales, and much of Greater London to deal with pavement parking. The hon. Member urges the Government to publish a Department for Transport report from 2020 on pavement parking issues.
Government Response
Lilian GreenwoodThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Commits to publishing the response to the consultation on managing pavement parking as soon as possible, acknowledging the urgency of addressing the issue. Emphasises that no two places face identical challenges and factors in recent political changes such as devolution. Tackling pavement parking contributes to safer streets by reducing risks for pedestrians. It breaks down barriers to opportunity for disabled people and families, potentially driving growth benefits. A new research study will begin imminently involving local traffic authorities to understand where pavement parking occurs and how it affects people’s lives, especially vulnerable road users. The minister is mindful of balancing competing priorities such as the availability of parking, needs of delivery drivers, and access for emergency services but insists that the status quo is unacceptable. Pavement parking undermines inclusivity and equitable access; therefore, meaningful and effective steps must be taken considering lived experiences and closing evidence gaps.