§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding parking on pavements; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyI have received numerous representations on this subject, mainly suggesting that there should be a complete ban on pavement parking.
Responses to the consultation document "Curbing An Abuse", which we issued in 1987, showed that a complete ban would not be practical. It would create severe difficulties for many local traffic authorities, and the police do not have the resources that would be necessary to enforce it effectively.
While there is a general ban on parking heavy goods vehicles on the pavement, parking other kinds of vehicles there is illegal only where it is prohibited by a local Act of Parliament, as in London, where it contravenes a traffic order made by the local traffic authority, or if the vehicle is parked in a dangerous or obstructive position. I accept that the current situation is not entirely satisfactory. Last July, I decided to explore with the local authority associations whether the present legislation might be used more effectively and whether it could be improved in any way short of imposing a national ban.