Labour has pledged to tackle the growing problem of pavement parking across the UK, which could see new rules introduced nationwide.
It comes as Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood promised action "very soon" during parliamentary questions today after several MPs highlighted serious concerns over the safety issues pavement parking poses.
The minister told MPs she is "determined to tackle pavement parking" after the previous Government "failed to act" on the problem.
Greenwood confirmed the Government is "committed to publishing a formal response and announcing next steps for pavement parking as soon as possible".
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Drivers across London and Scotland can be fined £100 for pavement parking
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She added that officials are currently reviewing consultation outcomes, including views from local authorities on whether the ban could be feasible.
The issue of pavement parking was highlighted by Blaydon and Consett MP Liz Twist, who recalled a 2018 adjournment debate prompted by meeting visually impaired constituents who raised concerns over the poor parking practice.
"They demonstrated to me that pavement parking prevented them from using pavements safely, undermining their independence and confidence and putting them at risk of injury," Twist told the House.
Greenwood acknowledged these concerns, noting that pavement parking is "absolutely fundamental to safety and accessibility of our public realm" and affects not just disabled people but also "children walking on the pavement" and "parents pushing buggies and prams".
Labour is now working to finalise its approach after reviewing consultation responses from various stakeholders, with Greenwood emphasising the importance of "getting this right" while working "speedily" with officials.
When pressed on timelines by Conservative MP Rebecca Paul, Greenwood emphasised the importance of finding effective solutions.
Meanwhile, cross-party support for action on pavement parking was evident during the parliamentary session, with MPs from different parties raising concerns.
Paul highlighted that pavement parking is "a real problem" for her constituents in Red Hill and mentioned Guide Dogs' long-running campaign on the issue.
Liberal Democrat MP Paul Kohler raised specific concerns about pavement parking near a primary school in South Wimbledon, which forces "parents and children into the road, an obvious danger".
While the minister did not provide a specific timeline for implementation, she emphasised the Government is working "speedily" to address the issue.
Greenwood acknowledged that communication and publicity explaining the dangers of pavement parking would be "part of the mix" of solutions.
This follows her previous recommendation, when chair of the Transport Select Committee, to create a new offence against obstructive parking.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Labour confirmed it has been engaging with local authorities to look at introducing pavement parking ban
GETTYThe Government's formal response to the consultation is expected to outline comprehensive measures to tackle what Greenwood repeatedly described as a "nuisance" affecting pedestrian safety.
Currently, pavement parking is only illegal in London and various Scottish cities, with drivers fined £100 for breaking the rules.
