London (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 08, 2026 – The UK Government published its response to the pavement parking consultation, granting local authorities stronger enforcement powers across England. Transport Committee Chair Ruth Cadbury welcomed the move while raising implementation concerns.
The Government released
“Pavement parking: options for change – Government response”
on gov.uk. This document follows years of consultation and addresses pedestrian safety issues. Local councils gain the flexibility to enforce against unnecessary pavement obstruction.
Transport Committee Chair Ruth Cadbury issued a statement applauding the action. She highlighted the delay since the initial consultations and anticipated safer pavements.
Government Response Outlines Local Enforcement Powers
The response proposes enabling local highway authorities to prohibit pavement parking where it causes obstruction. This targeted approach avoids a national ban, allowing flexibility for areas with limited parking alternatives. Implementation requires primary legislation, with no specific timeline provided.
Lilian Greenwood highlighted accessibility benefits, saying in an X post,
“Blocked pavements can make it harder for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users and blind or partially sighted people to get around. That’s why we’re giving local authorities stronger powers to tackle pavement parking and keep pavements accessible.”
The policy responds to concerns from disability groups and local representatives. It builds on evidence from the consultation showing risks to pushchair users, wheelchair users, and visually impaired pedestrians.
Ruth Cadbury noted potential challenges for drivers crossing authority boundaries. The Transport Committee plans to monitor progress toward legislation.
Ruth Cadbury expressed optimism with caveats, stating, “Having waited for years to see a response to the consultation on pavement parking in England, I’m delighted that the Government is now taking action to tackle this scourge.
We look forward to safer and more accessible pavements across the country in the future. Some questions remain – including how an approach based on making powers available locally will work for non-local drivers if there is inconsistency between neighbouring highway authorities. The Transport Committee will be watching closely to ensure that legislation is enacted without further delays.”
MP Reactions to Pavement Parking Policy Shift
Several MPs commented on the development during parliamentary proceedings. Helen Maguire BEM MP celebrated local campaigning success in Epsom and Ewell.
Helen Maguire BEM MPmarked a victory, saying in an X post,
“Great to start the year off with a win! After months of campaigning to end pavement parking in Epsom and Ewell – including a Westminster debate, letters to Ministers, and local action – the Government has acted.”
https://x.com/helenmaguiremp/status/2009284399951433769
Peter Swallow MP described the change as common sense, emphasising local knowledge.
Peter Swallow MP summarised the pledge, stating in an X post,
“Government has responded to concerns about pavement parking, pledging new powers for councils to enforce against ‘unnecessary obstruction’ on pavements A common sense change letting local leaders with knowledge of our streets take action where pavement parking doesn’t work, and be flexible where there’s no other choice Read the statement here:”
These responses reflect cross-party recognition of the issue’s impact on communities.
Advocacy Groups Applaud Long-Awaited Measures
Disability and accessibility organisations welcomed the announcement after extended campaigns. Transport for All noted coalition efforts with partners.
Transport for All celebrated the progress, saying in an X post,
“This has been a long time coming, so very welcome news! We’ve been working in coalition with orgs like @guidedogs, @livingstreets and @WalkWheelCycleT to tackle pavement parking for years.”
RNIB Campaigns pointed to the five-year gap since the original consultation.
RNIB Campaigns marked the milestone, stating in an X post,
“Five years after a public consultation under the previous government, the Department for Transport has announced plans to tackle pavement parking in England.”
These groups have documented pavement parking’s barriers to independent mobility.
Cadbury Addresses Road Safety Strategy in Commons
During the House of Commons session on January 8, Cadbury linked pavement parking to broader safety. She welcomed the Government’s road safety strategy publication.
The strategy targets preventable road deaths and serious injuries. Cadbury contrasted it with prior government efforts over 14 years.
Cadbury congratulated ministers, stating,
“Speaking in the House of Commons today (8 January), the Chair also welcomed the Government’s road safety strategy and congratulated ministers for doing what the previous government spent 14 years not properly addressing, during which time too many have been killed and seriously injured on our roads in preventable incidents’.”
She referenced the Transport Secretary’s prior support for London’s Vision Zero approach. Cadbury asked about national adoption plans.
Cadbury questioned Vision Zero, adding,
“She added: ‘When the Secretary of State appeared previously before the Transport Committee, she spoke positively about London’s Vision Zero strategy. Now that the road safety strategy is published, is the Government planning to adopt a Vision Zero strategy nationally?'”
Transport Committee Oversight Role
The Transport Committee scrutinises the Department for Transport policies. It conducted inquiries into pavement parking accessibility. Chair Cadbury leads examinations of legislation and implementation.
The committee’s work informed consultation responses. Future sessions may review enforcement details and consistency. Local authorities prepare for new powers pending legislation. The response prioritises vulnerable road users in urban planning.
Historical Context of Pavement Parking Consultations
Consultations began under previous administrations. Public input revealed widespread obstruction issues. Disability charities provided evidence on daily impacts.
The current response favours local discretion over blanket prohibitions. This balances parking needs with safety.
Stakeholder engagement continues as legislation develops. MPs and groups urge swift enactment to realise benefits.
