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Cardiff councillors call for pavement parking ban

Calls have been made for a blanket ban on parking vehicles on pavements in Wales

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Cardiff councillors Susan Elsmore and Rhys Taylor are calling on the Welsh Government to bring in a blanket ban(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

Calls for pavement parking to be banned in Wales have been made by two Cardiff councillors. Pavement parking is currently illegal in London and Scotland, but fines can still be issued for pavement parking outside these areas if a vehicle is parked in a dangerous position or causing an unnecessary obstruction.

Cardiff councillors Susan Elsmore and Rhys Taylor are now calling on the Welsh Government to bring in a blanket ban saying pavement parking in their areas is making streets unsafe and is frightening for vulnerable people. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here

Cllr Elsmore, an independent councillor for Canton, said: Here in Carmarthen Street, were surrounded by primary schools and nurseries, and lots of parents with pushchairs.

There are also people with limited mobility issues and sight loss. Cars are parked on pavements daily in this area. It has a profound impact on residents.

People tell me theyre frustrated because there are some places they cant access. This has a particular impact on older generations, and some older people have developed a fear of going out.

I want the Welsh Government to ban pavement parking. It will make residents lives in Canton and across Wales so much better.

A recent survey from Living Streets, a UK charity that campaigns for safer pavements, found that nine in ten Welsh councillors said they have received complaints from their constituents concerning vehicles parked on the pavement.

In May, the UK government announced more powers would be given to local authorities in England to tackle this problem, however no such legislation has entered the Senedd.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Gabalfa, Cllr Taylor, said: Pavement parking makes communities like mine unsafe for everyone.

It makes routes to school and work less safe, pushes pedestrians into the road and passing traffic, and creates a visual obstruction for drivers. Tackling pavement parking will make our communities safer and more pleasant places to live, work, and play.

The Welsh Government said: We know that pavement parking is a widespread problem across Wales, particularly for disabled people, parents with pushchairs and older residents.

This government places a high priority on enabling and encouraging more people to make everyday journeys on foot. Pavement parking runs counter to this aim, which is why we are committed to changing driver behaviour, backed by effective enforcement.

We are currently investigating how best to give local authorities the powers they need to tackle this problem.

In regard to the issue of pavement parking in Cardiff, the council said: The council has launched a new city parking plan designed to manage parking across the city.

The introduction of designated parking zones will ensure that all road space is controlled, helping to maintain order and encourage responsible parking.

During the time when the parking zone is enforceable, all vehicles must be parked correctly within a designated parking space.

Evidence from areas where parking zones have already been implemented shows a marked improvement in parking behaviour. This is because any vehicle parked irresponsibly within the zone can be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), reinforcing compliance and fairness for all road users.

Ruth Billingham, head of campaigns at Living Streets, said that many pavements in Wales have become no-go zones for people with wheelchairs, guide dogs and pushchairs.

She continued: The new Welsh Government has the opportunity to take action against pavement parking and avoid getting left behind Scotland and England.

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