Council calls for powers to prevent pavement parking

Brighton & Hove City Council is asking for a simpler process and more powers to tackle pavement parking which is compromising the safety of footways and making it more difficult for disabled people to get around the city.

The comments are part of Department for Transport consultation on the Transport Accessibility Action Plan which seeks to improve the travel experience for people with disabilities.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the environment, transport and sustainability committee which will discuss the city’s response on Tuesday, 28 November, said: “Our work to tackle irresponsible pavement and verge parking has had some positive effects and we trialled enforcement in Withdean, Patcham and North Portslade. It has also highlighted the need for a more effective way to deal with what is a growing problem in the city.

“Disability groups, residents, councillors and MPs have asked for a simpler process and powers to tackle the issue, such as the outright pavement parking ban introduced in London. Parking on pavements makes getting around more unsafe for everyone but it is especially difficult for people with disabilities who are denied access or who cannot see the obstruction.”

The council goes on to highlight the amount of signage currently required to inform drivers of the boundaries of any pavement parking ban. These can cost hundreds of pounds just to protect one area of pavement behind a pedestrian crossing, making a citywide solution too costly.

In London a 1974 Act means pavement parking is banned everywhere in the city unless the signs say it is allowed. This helps protect London’s pavements from the damage caused by parked vehicles.

Brighton & Hove’s response also details local good practice in dealing with fraudulent use of Blue Badges for parking and the partnership with Brighton & Hove bus company to make it easier for people with disabilities to travel on public transport.