Inquiry into pavement parking launched - RAC reaction

Responding to the announcement that the Transport Committee is to open an inquiry into the issue of pavement parking, RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said:

“There is no doubt that selfish parking that blocks pavements can be a major hindrance and danger to pedestrians and vulnerable road users, and we’d support any move that prevents this sort of activity.

“The case for an outright ban, however, is not so clear cut. There are instances, particularly on Britain’s many narrow residential streets, where drivers believe they are doing the right thing by putting a wheel or two on the kerb so as not to impede road access for other vehicles and emergency services, while also making sure they leave enough space for people to use the pavement, especially wheelchair users and those with buggies. This inquiry should look carefully at how we can strike the right balance.”