Salford Council is set to be given greater authority to fine motorists who cause disruption by pavement parking.
As part of a government crackdown on problem parking, local councils across the country will be granted new and enhanced legal powers to restrict pavement parking across wider areas.
The initiative aims to help parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users and blind or partially sighted people to travel more safely and independently.
Under the new approach, due to come into force later this year, local leaders will have the power to tackle pavement parking in the areas they deem necessary and will be able to decide where pavement parking may still be acceptable.
Salford Council have the power to sanction people who park on double yellow lines, overstay their paid parking time, park without a permit or leave their car in areas with specific restrictions.
Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development at Salford City Council, explained that the local authority will act to “assist residents and road users” when the Department for Transport (DfT) issues formal guidance later this year.
He said “The council will review the statutory guidance by DfT when issued and what the proposed legislation will allow.
“We’ll then look to report options and our preferred approach for consideration to enable our Parking Services Team to work within the legislation and statutory guidance.
“We currently undertake Civil Parking Enforcement across the city and are confident that we can further assist residents and road users who wish to walk wheel and scoot by appropriate fair enforcement.”
Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Clear pavements are essential for people to move around safely and independently, whether that’s a parent with a pushchair, someone using a wheelchair, or a blind or partially sighted person.
“That’s why we’re giving local authorities the power to crack down on problem pavement parking, allowing more people to travel easily and safely and get to where they need to go.”
Guide Dogs’ Chief Executive, Andrew Lennox, stated: “After years of campaigning, we welcome the announcement to give councils greater powers to tackle problem pavement parking.
“Cars blocking pavements are a nuisance for everyone, but especially dangerous for people with sight loss, who can be forced into the road with traffic they can’t see.
“Pavement parking is also a barrier that shuts people out of everyday life. When pavements are blocked, people with sight loss lose confidence, independence and the freedom to travel safely. This stops people from accessing work, education and social opportunities.
“We look forward to working with the government and local authorities to ensure these changes are introduced quickly and consistently enforced so pavement parking becomes a thing of the past.”
