Almost two-thirds of motorists in Northern Ireland have backed plans for a pavement parking ban, signalling strong public support for measures aimed at improving pedestrian safety.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins is to bring forward legislation to tackle “inconsiderate” pavement parking, prohibiting four-wheel parking on pavements, parking across dropped kerbs used for pedestrian access and double parking.
Blocked pavements can create dangerous barriers for wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted people, older people and parents with prams, creating unnecessary risk by forcing pedestrians on to the road. It can also cause access issues for emergency response vehicles.
A new survey of 800 drivers by car insurance experts
CompareNI.com found that 62% of people here support plans to outlaw pavement parking.
The findings suggest widespread concern about the impact of this important road safety issue, with almost half (48%) saying it is causing problems in their local area.
A further 71% of respondents said they have been inconvenienced by a vehicle causing an obstruction on a footpath.
While the majority of drivers want to see tougher action taken to tackle pavement parking, opinion is split on the approach.
Some 40% of motorists expressed concern that a blanket ban could lead to reduced parking availability in their area, while a further 67% felt councils should be empowered to curb pavement parking on a local level.
Apart from urban clearways, there is currently no general ban on pavement parking in Northern Ireland. However, where yellow lines are marked on a road, those also apply to the pavement – meaning traffic attendants can hand out fines to drivers who breach these restrictions.
London and Scotland already have pavement parking bans in place, with fines of up to £160*** and £100**** respectively. Elsewhere in the UK, councils across England are to be given more extensive powers later this year to fine motorists who cause obstructions.
Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at CompareNI.com said: “Pavement parking can pose a real danger to pedestrians, especially those with mobility issues or young children in prams. By blocking footways, inadvertently or not, drivers are forcing pedestrians onto the road - this is not just an inconvenience, it is putting people’s lives at risk.
CompareNI.com Managing Director Ian Wilson.
“It’s positive to see the government taking steps to ban this dangerous behaviour and helping to make our roads safer for everyone. Until this legislation comes into force, I would encourage all motorists to be extra vigilant and consider how their actions may impact others.
“It is important to realise that parking on pavements doesn’t just endanger pedestrians, it also increases the chances of vehicles being damaged. Pavements aren’t designed for cars or vans, and repeatedly mounting kerbs, even at low speed, can potentially cause damage to tyres, alloys, suspension and the undercarriage, especially in the case of vehicles that are low to the ground.
“Vehicles parked on footpaths may also be accidentally damaged by passers-by, with buggies, wheelchairs or bikes potentially clipping wing mirrors or scraping doors.
“Vehicle damage can be costly, as repair prices continue to soar. If drivers decide not to fix the issue themselves and claim off their car insurance, they’ll likely lose their no claims bonus, and could see premiums increase.
“Drivers need to remember it is in their best interests to park in a safe and appropriate spot - it protects them, their vehicle and other road users.”
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car insurance.
