Most Britons back pavement parking ban as English councils set to gain new powers

Public support for a crackdown on pavement parking is surging, with a clear majority of Britons in favour of a ban as English councils prepare to gain new powers to restrict the practice. Campaigners are pushing for a UK-wide approach and urging Labour to go much further.

Six in 10 adults (62%) back banning pavement parking, while 27% oppose it, according to new YouGov polling. Support spans the political spectrum: it is highest among Liberal Democrat supporters at 70%, followed by Conservative supporters at 68%, Greens at 65% and Labour at 64%, with Reform supporters at 55%.

The issue is particularly acute for people with disabilities and families, campaigners say. Mr Matthies said pavement parking forces blind and partially sighted people into the road and potentially into the path of moving vehicles they cannot see, creating stress and danger for pedestrians and drivers alike.

He criticised the UK Government’s proposal to let English councils decide whether and how to restrict pavement parking, warning this risks a patchwork of rules that leaves drivers and pedestrians unsure what to expect. Motoring groups also acknowledge the problem but urge a balanced approach.

Rod Dennis of the RAC said the organisation’s research shows a clear majority of drivers agree no pavement user should be made to walk or wheel into the road due to inconsiderate parking.

He noted pavement parking is already banned in London and said the Government’s outline proposals should enable councils to prevent the practice where it causes problems, while allowing partial pavement parking where it helps keep traffic flowing and does not inconvenience others.

He added that councils should clearly inform drivers before enforcing against unnecessary pavement parking and act reasonably when doing so. Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA, cautioned against blanket bans. He said drivers who block paths or tactile paving should be penalised, but in most cases motorists try to balance pedestrian access with moving traffic.

He urged councils to conduct street-by-street assessments, warning that an outright ban could displace parking problems and create new concerns for residents. A Department for Transport spokesperson said pavement parking can make it harder for people to get around safely.

New powers are expected to give English councils greater freedom to restrict the practice, while campaigners continue to press for a consistent, UK-wide ban.