Pavement Parking: Road Safety, Accessibility and the Future of Local Enforcement

Pavement parking is rising up the policy agenda across England, with the Department for Transport signalling plans to devolve enforcement powers to local authorities. Councils are now preparing for a new phase of responsibility, where clear policy direction and practical implementation will be essential.

This is no longer a theoretical issue. Pavement parking presents complex challenges around road safety, accessibility, street design, enforcement capacity and wider parking strategy. Addressing it effectively will require more than enforcement alone – it calls for coordinated thinking and a structured approach.

This webinar will explore how local authorities can tackle pavement parking as part of a broader road safety and street management strategy. It will look beyond enforcement to consider the wider safety, spatial and accessibility impacts, particularly for wheelchair users, visually impaired pedestrians, children and older people.

Through expert insight and real-world experience, the session will cover:
• The national policy context and implications for local authorities
• The role of pavement parking in road safety and accessibility
• Links to wider initiatives such as 20mph schemes, School Streets and active travel
• Challenges around street design and increasing vehicle size
• Policy approaches, from blanket bans to targeted interventions
• Practical considerations including TROs, signage, resourcing and political factors

The session will also address the public and political sensitivities of reform, including concerns around displacement and residential parking.

The webinar will conclude with a practical framework to help authorities assess risk, develop policy and implement enforcement in an evidence-led way. Live polling will allow delegates to benchmark their current position and share insights.