Regular followers will know that over the years Pavement Parking has been a problem and a matter of great concern to many local residents.
I have spoken to our MP Michael Gove about the issue on countless occasions. There appeared to be a breakthrough when the Government announced a national consultation which offered three options.
Two of the options strengthened existing powers with a third option proposing an outright ban. With COVID and other priorities the next stage has been very quiet but the Express News Papers reported yesterday that there could be an announcement from the government soon. You can view that here: https://bit.ly/31oSZTg
They seem to think an outright ban on pavement parking could be a realistic decision from the Government. I personally think an outright ban would not work for Surrey Heath. We have a severe lack of parking provision in many of our communities.
To my mind strengthening the powers of local authorities to enable them to enforce where parking on a pavement causes an obstruction to pedestrians, especially those in wheelchairs, mobility scooters/other disabilities and parents with pushchairs is what needs addressing. I think this can be acheived without an outright ban. If a vehical has mounted a pavement but has allowed sufficient space to allow those mentioned above to get through without forcing them into the road, then I don't have a problem with that so long as there are no parking restrictions in place at the lcoation.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this so please let me know in the comments. The image shows recent examples of very inconsiderate parking in Surrey Heath.
- Cllr Paul Deach
