Local Government Association calls for motorists outside London to face fines for parking on kerbs

Calls have been made for councils outside of London to be able to fine drivers for parking on kerbs.

Motorists in the capital have been banned from parking on the kerb for the past 40 years, the Local Government Association (LGA) said.

Now the LGA, which represents 370 councils in England and Wales, say councils across the country are desperate for similar powers.

It is hoped this will free up congested pavements and reduce the risk for pedestrians, particularly the blind and parents with prams, from collision.

LGA transport spokesman Councillor Martin Tett, leader of Buckinghamshire County Council, said: "Councils in the capital have been able to ban pavement parking for many years.

"It seems a nonsense that local authorities outside London remain unable to do this."

Expensive repairs

Cllr Tett said local authorities needed the power to respond to concerns raised in their communities.

LGA examples include if a street is becoming dangerously congested or pedestrians are being forced to step out into the street to get round parked vehicles.

"This is particularly dangerous for blind or partially-sighted people and mums and dads with prams," he said.

"Pavement parking and damaged pavements is one of the biggest complaints from pedestrians.

"In addition, repairing kerbs, verges and pavements damaged by pavement parking is expensive at a time when councils continue to face huge funding pressures as a result of further cuts to funding from government.

"The money spent on this would be better used to plug the £12 billion roads repair bill we currently face as a nation."

'More consistent approach'

Cllr Tett added the move would provide a "more consistent approach" for all road users, regardless of where they live and work.

"Councils would carefully consult with communities before banning pavement parking and this is done sparingly in response to concerns which they have raised," he said.

"This will enable them to better protect vulnerable pedestrians and provide a more consistent approach for all road users."

Existing parking measures in London mean drivers are barred from pavement parking unless permitted by the council in the area.

However, outside the capital mounting on the kerb is generally allowed unless motorists are causing an obstruction, or on roads with other restrictions such as double-yellow lines.

What do you make of the LGA's plea? Should kerb parking be curbed across the country, not just in London? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.