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As Scotland leads with a comprehensive ban, calls for a UK-wide regulation intensify amid public backing and stakeholder support for safer, more accessible streets across England.
The ongoing challenge of pavement parking across the UK has spotlighted a pressing need for consistent regulation beyond the patchwork of local bans already in place. While London and Scotland have established prohibitions on parking on pavements to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, many areas in England remain without such protections, causing significant difficulties for vulnerable road users.
A recent survey reveals that 83% of drivers across the UK support stricter pavement parking rules in England, underscoring widespread public concern. The Department for Transport (DfT) has acknowledged the issues pavement parking creates, particularly for pedestrians who may be forced to step into the road due to obstructed footpaths. According to a spokesperson from the DfT, the government’s priority is to make travel easier and more accessible for everyone, with an ongoing review of potential national solutions to these problems.
Local authorities and advocacy groups have been vocal in pushing for legislative changes. The Local Government Association has called for bans on pavement parking to be extended throughout England, citing the danger it poses primarily to pedestrians with mobility impairments, as well as the wear and tear that damages pavements and leads to costly repairs. The LGA is urging the government to empower councils with the authority needed to enforce such restrictions effectively. They also recommend launching a national awareness campaign to educate drivers on the repercussions of parking on pavements and clarify enforcement responsibilities.
The Scottish Government has taken a firm stance with a nationwide pavement parking ban, already in force in major cities like Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and now Glasgow. This move aims to enhance pavement accessibility and pedestrian safety, serving as a model for other UK nations. The RAC has reinforced this approach, with spokesperson Rod Dennis highlighting the severity of the problem and reiterating the need for consistent regulations nationwide. Similar sentiments have been echoed in England, where various stakeholders, including disability rights groups, have supported proposals to strengthen laws to protect those using pavements, such as parents with prams and individuals with disabilities.
Previous government efforts include proposals from former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who suggested giving councils powers to fine drivers causing pavement obstructions, even where some limited pavement parking might be allowed. While this initiative received backing from advocacy groups, some, like the AA, have cautioned about potential unintended consequences, especially in narrow residential streets where pavement parking might be used to prevent road blockages.
Parliamentary scrutiny and recommendations continue to add pressure for action. The Transport Committee has criticised the DfT’s perceived inertia on the issue and called for a nationwide ban akin to the existing London measures. The committee also highlighted the need for funding a public awareness campaign to inform drivers and better clarify enforcement duties.
Government publications, such as the recent House of Lords Library briefing on transport policy, recognise the significant impact pavement parking has on people with mobility or visual impairments. They document previous consultations and signal the government’s commitment to reviewing options that could result in appropriate legislative solutions, reflecting a growing consensus that action is required to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility across England.
In summary, the landscape of pavement parking regulation across the UK is evolving, with Scotland leading the charge on comprehensive bans, London maintaining its established restrictions, and England facing mounting calls for national legislation. Stakeholders broadly agree that piecemeal local measures are insufficient and that empowering councils with clear enforcement powers, complemented by public education campaigns, will be crucial steps toward safer, more accessible streets for all.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, published on 1 September 2025. The survey referenced was conducted in June and July 2025, indicating timely data. However, similar discussions and calls for action on pavement parking have been ongoing since at least February 2024, with councils advocating for nationwide bans. ([bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-68255312?utm_source=openai)) This suggests the topic has been in public discourse for over a year, which may affect the perceived freshness of the content. Additionally, the article includes references to previous reports and surveys, indicating some recycled content.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes from RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis and Rachel Toms of Sustrans. These quotes appear to be original to this report, with no exact matches found in earlier publications. However, similar sentiments have been expressed by these individuals in previous reports, suggesting a potential reuse of their viewpoints.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Standard, a reputable UK news outlet. The article cites statements from established organisations such as the RAC and Sustrans, lending credibility to the information presented.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims regarding the survey results and the positions of the RAC and Sustrans are plausible and align with known public discussions on pavement parking. The article also references previous reports and surveys, indicating a consistent narrative. However, the lack of new developments or additional data may suggest limited newsworthiness.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative is based on a recent survey and includes statements from reputable organisations, indicating a reasonable level of credibility. However, the topic has been extensively covered in the past, with similar discussions dating back to at least February 2024. The inclusion of recycled content and the absence of new developments suggest a lower freshness score. Therefore, while the information is plausible and sourced from reliable entities, the overall assessment remains open due to the recycled nature of the content and the lack of new information.
