by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Dorset Council says it will have to wait for further guidance before deciding its stance on new powers to tackle pavement parking.
In January the Department for Transport confirmed that councils will be given improved legal powers to make it easier to restrict pavement parking across wider areas.
In a statement Dorset Council said this week that it is still awaiting further information: “We are waiting for details from the Department For Transport. Once we have these we will be clearer on how we can implement these enforcement changes” said a spokesperson.
Pavement parking is banned throughout London and Scotland, with fines of up to £130 and £100 respectively. In the rest of England, it is generally advised against but not explicitly illegal unless causing an obstruction, parking on double yellow lines, or breaking specific local Traffic Regulation Orders.
The new powers support safer streets and form part of the Government’s plan for change in local areas.
Said Cllr Richard Herrett, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council cabinet member for destination, leisure and commercial operations: “Pavement parking can cause real problems for our residents, particularly parents with prams, wheelchair users and those with sight loss.
“We welcome any new powers from government that can make people’s journeys in BCP easier and await more detail from the Department for Transport later this year.”
