Parking on sidewalks should be BANNED because it’s “discriminatory” and discourages people from cycling more, experts say

PARKING on the sidewalk should be BANNED because it is “discriminatory” and discourages people from cycling, experts said.

There is currently no law against pavement parking in the UK – except in London.

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Rule 22 of the Highway Code states: “You must not park, in whole or in part, on the pavement in London and you should not park anywhere else unless the signage allows it.

Outside the capital, however, you are allowed to partially park your car on the sidewalk, but it must not be an obstacle.

And now Sustrans, a sustainable transport charity, is pushing for councils across the UK to adopt rules similar to London’s.

They say parking along the way is “discriminatory” and believe targets to get more people walking and cycling are “impossible” to achieve unless prohibited, reports The Telegraph.

The charity says people with disabilities find their paths blocked and as a result have difficulty getting around in their local area.

Xavier Brice, Managing Director of the charity, said: “There is clear evidence that people want to feel safe and welcome when walking and driving, without parked vehicles getting in their way.

“Sidewalk parking is discriminatory towards wheelchair users and mobility scooters, other disabled people, people with visual impairments and more.

“The UK government’s target is that by 2030, half of all journeys in cities will be made on foot or by bike.

“Achieving this will be impossible unless we do more to make walking and cycling more accessible and inclusive.

“An important first step is no parking on the sidewalk.”

Parking on sidewalks has been banned in London since the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1974.

The law prohibits motorists from parking on city streets in the capital if their car’s wheels are resting on sidewalks, grass verges or land between lanes.

There are exceptions to this rule in some areas.

These are clearly marked with special blue parking signs showing a car with one wheel on the curb.

At other times, parking bays are marked with white lines extending onto sidewalks to indicate that parking is permitted there.

In areas where this is not permitted, the law provides protection for certain circumstances, e.g. B. for drivers unloading goods, putting out a fire or saving someone’s life.

Anyone who breaks the rules can be fined.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the benefits of cycling and walking and our plans are supported by an unprecedented £2 billion funding package for active travel over five years.

“We are actively evaluating ways to address sidewalk parking and will announce next steps as soon as possible.”