§ Mr. Robert BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action his Department is taking to combat the problem of parking on pavements.
§ Mr. KeyWhile there is a general ban on parking heavy goods vehicles on the pavement, parking other kinds of vehicles there is banned 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. Responses to the consultation document "Curbing an Abuse", which we published 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.
588WI accept that the current situation is not entirely satisfactory, but expect it to improve as local authorities take on responsibility for parking enforcement under the arrangements in the Road Traffic Act 1991.
In addition, we are about to publish guidance detailing the engineering measures available to local traffic authorities to prevent vehicles mounting the pavement. Such measures have the advantage that they are largely self-enforcing.