Edward McCarthy the Conservative Candidate for Knowsley ward has been contacted by many residents concerned about cars repeatedly parking on pavements.
Currently, according to the police, Local Authorities (in England) can make an order prohibiting parking on the pavement. If this were to be done, then there would be signs which clearly point out on a particular road where parking on the pavement would be specifically prohibited. The penalty for contravening this would be a fixed penalty notice. At the moment, the act of driving a vehicle on and off the pavement without good reason is an offence, but parking there is not. Parking a vehicle on the pavement could lead to an offence of obstruction, and could result in a fixed penalty notice being issued to offending vehicles, but in practice is seldom pursued. Obstruction is not just a roadway offence; causing danger/nuisance for pedestrians and wheelchairs users can also give rise to the offence.
Edward said: “Whilst on my way to meet one resident about the issue I noticed many cars parked on the pavement, despite there being many empty driveways. Some pavements are narrow to begin with, so it is must be increasingly difficult for people with pushchairs or wheelchair users to get through. Cars parking on pavements are dangerous and the pavement users then have to take a chance often by going on the road. I urge drivers to be considerate when they park their cars, and think about pavement users.”
Edward added: “Looking ahead there have been developments. The Conservative Government has agreed to initiate a study into the problem alongside the Guide Dogs for the Blind and other organisations later this year.”