January 2025 – Councils across England have been given extensive powers to control drivers who cause disruption by parking on the pavement. Whilst pavement parking is banned in London and Scotland, this new legislation, which will take effect later this year allows Wiltshire Councils to introduce restrictions on our Salisbury streets. We want to see our council, which prioritises “Active Travel” implement this new guidance as soon as it possibly can.
However, Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive, Living Streets comments that “These new powers allow for some quick progress after years of inaction and stop many people putting their lives in danger just to get around.
“It’s disappointing not to see a nationwide prohibition, instead handing the power to local leaders to ban pavement parking. This will result in inconsistency for communities and drivers, which increases risks for everyone using our streets.
“It makes it a political choice, but the fact is, pavement parking endangers lives of the most vulnerable.
“These new powers do not go far enough to protect pedestrians. Disabled people, parents with buggies and older residents shouldn’t have to depend on individual local authorities’ appetite and capacity to enforce.”
