Half of England's Councils Permit Pavement Parking Despite Disability Access Concerns

Half of all English councils actively encourage pavement parking through marked bays or signage, BBC research found, yet disability charities argue the practice traps residents in their homes by blocking street access for wheelchair users and people with visual impairments. The Local Government Association acknowledges pavement parking is one of the most common complaints councils receive, while the Department for Transport says it is giving councils stronger powers to restrict dangerous and inconsiderate parking. The conflict reflects a wider housing-related tension: limited on-street parking availability versus the accessibility needs of disabled residents.

Access Barriers in Practice

Wheelchair user Hana Kitson, a former army doctor who uses a wheelchair following an accident, said pavement parking on her Birmingham street has prevented her from attending classes and community events. She described narrowed pavements that make it impossible for wheelchair users and pushchair operators to pass parked vehicles. Kitson stated she is not opposed to residents parking near their homes, but believes streets have become overly car-dependent without reliable public transport alternatives. Similarly, Rob Moulds, 57, who is visually impaired and uses a cane, described walking down Fordhouse Lane—a road where pavement parking is permitted—as "a nightmare."

The National Federation of the Blind has called for a comprehensive pavement parking ban, arguing that parking on pavements causes long-term physical damage to walking surfaces and creates additional hazards for pedestrians. Resident Said Zaidi on Fordhouse Lane noted the road is too narrow for vehicles to park safely on both sides, with some drivers ignoring white line markings that designate parking boundaries.

Swindon's Contested Trial

Swindon Borough Council initiated an 18-month trial banning pavement parking on selected streets including Redhouse Way, Millgrove Street, and part of Eastbury Way to improve access for pedestrians, mobility users, and parents with pushchairs. Councillor Daniel Adams, who consulted with guide dog users before implementing the restrictions, described the ban as the "safest" option to protect pedestrians. The council issued fines of £70 (or £35 if paid within 14 days) to violators, with a significant number issued on the trial's first day in June.

However, some residents oppose the restrictions, claiming they create parking scarcity without viable alternatives. Resident Kerry Wallace, who has parked on the pavement for seven years, argued that some sections of her street's pavement are wide enough to accommodate three double pushchairs and a car. She said designated parking spaces behind homes are insufficient for households with multiple vehicles, and visitor parking areas are frequently occupied by residents with two cars. Andrew Jordan, a 10-year resident, expressed concern that the ban offers no realistic alternative parking locations for households that currently rely on pavement spaces.