In busy streets many people park their cars on kerbs, leaving room for traffic. However, blocking the path can sometimes create problems. Councils all over UK are planning to start fining people for leaving their cars on pavements.
The Local Government Association (LGA) thinks that authorities should be allowed to prevent drivers from leaving their cars on the kerbs. Councils are already allowed to fine drivers for kerb parking in situations where cars are obstructing the movement or if the car is left by the yellow line. In London, pavement parking drivers have been fined already for 40 years. The LGA is inviting the rest of England and Wales to follow them.
Blocking the path could sometimes create problems for pedestrians. For instance, blind people are not always able to recognize if their way is blocked by a car. Moreover, councils could profit from extra revenue for road repairs.
Local Government Association spokesman said: "Pavement parking and damaged pavements is one of the biggest complaints from pedestrians. The money spent on this would be better used to plug the £12 billion roads repair bill we currently face as a nation."
“Councils would carefully consult with communities before banning pavement parking and this is done sparingly in response to concerns which they have raised. This will enable them to better protect vulnerable pedestrians and provide a more consistent approach for all road users."
Residents in Essex told: “It is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or even killed”.
Councils could decide themselves how much to fine drivers, but most likely it would be about the same amount as parking fine.
Click here for more information.
