Motorists across Wales are being warned of potential new driving restrictions as the Welsh Government considers implementing a widespread ban on pavement parking. This move, backed by cross-party MPs, aims to improve pedestrian safety but has been labelled an 'anti-car' policy by some critics.
Cross-Party Support for Safer Streets
The proposed ban has gained support from politicians across the political spectrum. Labour's Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West, and Conservative Mims Davies, MP for East Grinstead, have both backed the measures. The issue has been highlighted by the charity Guide Dogs, with its head of policy, Eleanor Briggs, stating the organisation wants "a clear national law" to empower local councils to tackle problem parking effectively.
Advocates argue that parked vehicles blocking footpaths create significant dangers. "Paul was just one of thousands forced to step into the road because of cars parked on pavements," Ms Jones said. "Wheelchair users and people with pushchairs faced the same danger. It was time for Wales to act." She emphasised that this is particularly hazardous for people with sight loss.
The Driver's Perspective and Practical Challenges
However, the proposed changes face opposition from motoring groups and residents who argue that a blanket ban is unworkable. The Alliance of British Drivers pointed out that many residential streets were built long before car ownership was common. They warned that a universal ban could render some roads impassable for emergency services and lead to residents facing endless fines.
This sentiment was echoed by a Newport tradesman, who commented: "Drivers weren't out to block pavements deliberately — it was often the only way to stop without holding up traffic. If they fined people for just having two wheels on the kerb, where were we supposed to park? It was just another anti-car policy."
Watching and Waiting: The Path to Legislation
In response to calls for action, the Welsh Government confirmed it is "monitoring developments" in Scotland before deciding whether to bring forward its own legislation. Scotland has already rolled out widespread pavement parking bans, as has London.
This issue has been on the UK government's agenda for some time. In 2020, the Conservative Party government consulted on proposals to give councils in England powers to prohibit pavement parking, but no policy change resulted. More recently, the current Labour Government stated in July that it would announce "the next steps" on the issue "as soon as possible".
The debate continues to balance the urgent need for accessible streets for all pedestrians against the practical realities of parking on the UK's often narrow, historic roads.
