New powers to tackle pavement parking have been welcomed by York and North Yorkshire’s mayor.
Labour Mayor David Skaith said this would enable councils to ban parking on pavements where it would make them safer and more accessible.
Garry Taylor, City of York Council’s city development lead, said officials recognised pavement parking was an issue in some parts of the city.
Existing powers are often limited to individual streets and require lengthy, complex processes to implement, according to the government.
Under the new rules, local officials will be able to decide where and where not to ban pavement parking.
Mayor Skaith said: “Pavement parking makes it harder for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities to get around.
“Children walking to school, parents with pushchairs and people with disabilities are all too often forced into the road by vehicles blocking pavements.
“That’s why I welcome this announcement, which will give us the powers we need to return pavements to the people they are meant for.”
Tanya Stimpson, director of Vision Support’s Harrogate district, said the changes were about more than just convenience for people with sight loss.
Ms Stimpson said: “They are about safety, dignity, and the fundamental right to independent travel.
“We are delighted that the needs of people with sight loss are finally being recognised by the Government.”
In September, York councillors backed Cllr Anna Baxter’s motion branding pavement parking a hazard where it obstructs footpaths including for wheelchair users, the visually impaired and parents with young children.
The Hull Road ward councillor’s motion added it also forced pedestrians out onto roads, creating a safety risk, and current laws were confusing and unevenly enforced.
Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said this week that the new powers would allow people to travel more easily and safely to where they want to go.
The minister said: “Clear pavements are essential for people to move around safely and independently, whether that’s a parent with a pushchair, someone using a wheelchair, or a blind or partially sighted person.
“That’s why we’re giving local authorities the power to crack down on problem pavement parking.”
