New road rules could be rolled out across the UK to improve licensing for certain drivers and clear vehicles from areas that could block access for pedestrians.
Under fresh measures announced by the Government, local authorities will be able to roll out schemes to improve areas for the benefit of residents.
The English Devolution Bill will make streets safer by enforcing against pavement parking outside of the capital, in addition to tackling the scourge of gambling shops on high streets.
Labour has pledged £150million to help stop the decline of high streets in cities, towns and villages across the country.
The proposals will allow local leaders to enforce against pavement parking, following a 2020 consultation, as well as the Road Safety Strategy from January this year.
It is hoped that these changes will make streets more accessible for wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, and parents with pushchairs.
Under previous rules, councils needed to apply for restrictions to be applied for pavement parking, which would usually take place on a street-by-street basis.
This would seek to ban pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs, although certain exemptions would exist for emergency vehicles.
The new English Devolution Bill will allow local authorities to make parking and licence decisions
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Scotland has recently confirmed its own pavement parking ban, with drivers facing a £100 fine for breaching these rules, although it can be slashed to £50 if paid within 14 days.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "People shouldn't have to dodge vehicles parked up on pavements as part of their daily routines."
She noted that this was why local authorities were being handed additional powers to crack down on pavement parking.
The Labour MP for Swindon South said the new changes would make town centres and high streets "open and accessible for all".
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The crackdown on pavement parking was hoped to make pavements safer for pedestrians | EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCILNew licensing rules will also be outlined through the English Devolution Bill and will address concerns around taxi and private hire vehicle safety.
Enforcement officers would be able to suspend licences issued by other governing bodies if a driver is operating outside of their licensing area.
This could also take place if "there is a need to suspend a licence with immediate effect to protect the public".
Ms Alexander added: "It's vital that authorities can act fast to stop dangerous drivers, taxis and private hire vehicles wherever they operate.
New rules will be introduced for taxi and private hire vehicle drivers in local authorities across England
| GETTY"These new powers will mean safer journeys for everyone with drivers still subject to the highest criminal background checks."
Other measures being introduced include mayors being able to hire up to 10 commissioners to better respond to demands and focuses of their regions.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Devolution, said: "It's right that we recognise that, champion it, and provide the people in those communities with the powers they need to make the most of the places they call home.
"We've listened to what our regions want and need - and that's why we are providing the powers that local leaders need, and the accountability local people deserve, to make a real difference at the heart of villages, towns and cities up and down the country."