Labour has doubled down on its commitment to “tackle pavement parking” with officials warning updates could be announced “very soon”. Lillian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads at the Department for Transport, was quizzed by MPs over whether pavement parking legislation was still being considered.
The Conservatives launched a consulting to look into the issue around pavement parking back in 2020 At the time, the DfT outlined a range of options to tackle the issue including the possibility of a full UK nationwide ban. However, politicians never acted on the findings with Labour seemingly keen to finish the job once and for all.
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Liz Twist, Labour MP for Blaydon and Consett, said she had heard from visually impaired constituents who were struggling to walk on the pavements due to vehicles stopped on the side of the road.
Liz asked: “My Blaydon and Consett constituents continue to raise this issue, but we saw little action under the last Government.
“What progress has the Minister’s Department made on responding to the consultation and on providing guidance to local authorities?”
Lillian Greenwood explained that action could be taken quickly as he confirmed that Labour officials have already spoken to a range of specialists.
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Lillian responded: “The previous Government failed to act and, like her, I am determined to tackle pavement parking.
“That is why I have met representatives of Guide Dogs, Living Streets, Sustrans and Transport for All to discuss this very important issue, which is absolutely fundamental to the safety and accessibility of our public realm.
“I can assure my hon. Friend that I am on the case, and I look forward to setting out the way forward very soon.”
Rebecca Paul, Conservative MP for Reigate, pushed for Labour to give a timescale on when changes could be introduced.
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She asked: “Given the Minister’s enthusiasm for solving this problem, can she please give us an idea of the timescale for delivering a solution—not the recommendations, but a solution—so that those with visual impairments and my constituents can navigate pavements safely?”
However, Labour has failed to commit to a firm deadline for action, simply stating that any future updates would be outlined in the near future.
Ms Greenwood responded: “It is really important that we get this right. I am working speedily with my officials to do so, and I look forward to being able to announce the outcome of the consultation and our next steps shortly.”
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