County council welcomes new legal powers to keep parking off pavements for vulnerable pedestrians

Announcing the move which has been greeted positively by campaigners, the Department for Transport says blocked pavements can create serious barriers for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted people, and older people, limiting independence and making everyday journeys harder and less safe.

Following a public consultation, the DfT has confirmed that local leaders will be given new and improved legal powers to make it easier to restrict pavement parking across wider areas, rather than relying on the previous approach, where action is often limited to individual streets and requires lengthy, complex processes.

Ministers say local leaders know their streets best and are best placed to respond to local needs. Under the new approach, local leaders will be able to decide to take action on pavement parking in their area, and they will retain flexibility where they deem pavement parking may still be acceptable.

Matt Jones, Parking Services Manager at Lincolnshire County Council said: "LCC welcomes the additional powers to help tackle nuisance parking, however the landscape of many roads and streets within the county differ drastically, so it will need to be done at the right location with the support of the local community.

"We will await further guidance from the Government regarding the proposals later this year."

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 said: “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.”

RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “Our research shows a clear majority of drivers agree that no pavement user should be made to walk or wheel into the road because of someone else’s inconsiderate parking.

“These proposals should clear the way for councils to prevent pavement parking where it causes problems, but permit drivers to partially park on pavements where doing so helps keep traffic flowing and doesn’t inconvenience other people."

The Department will set out guidance to help local authorities use these powers appropriately later in 2026.