Certain areas of the UK could dodge a national pavement parking ban with officials previously warning restrictions would be “inappropriate” in some locations.
A widespread UK ban on pavement parking has been a possibility for years, with consultations on updates held as early as 2020.
Reacting to the findings, the Department for Transport (DfT) admitted a national ban would set a “consistent rule” for motorists to follow.
However, the study seemed to suggest some areas could be off-limits with rural streets, villages and towns unlikely to benefit from the changes.
Discussing the possible disadvantages of a national ban, the DfT analysis suggested installing restrictions in the countryside may be a “ disproportionate” move.
The DfT study read: “A national prohibition might be inappropriate in rural areas, such as country roads where pavement parking may be safer.
It would be difficult to comprehensively assess all rural settings and may be disproportionate to direct resources to place traffic signs on quiet country roads.
“There is also a greater dependence on private transport in rural areas. Suburban areas may also face specific challenges.
“The implementation of a national prohibition would also be particularly difficult in environmentally sensitive areas, such as historic towns and villages, where there is likely to be strong resistance to placing of traffic signs and bay markings to indicate where parking is permitted.”
Scottish officials passed a bill allowing councils to introduce pavement parking bans from December 2023 with Edinburgh and Glasgow major cities to have adopted the rule.
Pavement parking is also restricted in London with motorists issued a £100 fine if they are caught by wardens.
The Conservatives didn’t press forward with the report’s findings with Labour yet to decide whether any legal rules could be adopted over the course of this Parliament.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh stressed the Government were still “considering options” with concerns any measures could impact local areas.
She explained: “I completely recognise how important it is for accessibility.
“We’re considering what options we have available, because we want to make sure that any measures are not burdensome on local authorities and are done in the most effective way.”
