Action against inconsiderate parkers- Anneliese calls for change

Anneliese Dodds, Labour's Parliamentary spokesperson for Reading East, today called for immediate action against inconsiderate parking, and submitted a response making this point to a national consultation.

The consultation by the Department for Transport asks whether London-style powers against those who park at dropped footways or who double park, should be extended across Britain without the need for extra signage. The powers would generally only be used by local authorities if they have been asked to do so by local residents. In London, most such cases have arisen where residents have repeatedly been 'blocked in' to their driveways.

Dodds said: "When I'm out on the doorstep, whether it's in Reading, Woodley or Caversham, people are constantly raising with me the issue of inconsiderate parking. Some residents are driven round the bend by people who park right in front of dropped kerbs, or who double park.

And consultations with residents about traffic, such as that which took place in February in the Whitley Street area, consistently show that double parking is a concern. Inconsiderate parking not only makes it more difficult for other motorists to move around, but can also obstruct access for wheelchair users and parents with buggies and prams. And I've lost count of the number of people who have complained to me about their cars being blocked in their driveways, preventing them from getting to work or taking the kids to school.

Rather than needing special signs to remind motorists of their responsibilities, there should be a general presumption against double parking and parking next to dropped kerbs. The vast majority of motorists follow the Highway Code and respect the need to park responsibly already- only a tiny minority cause problems. It should be possible for Reading Borough Council to take proportionate action against this problem- but only if it is asked to do so by local residents, as part of a fair and transparent process to halt inconsiderate parking".

Dodds has submitted a response to the Department for Transport's consultation on inconsiderate parking, making it clear that we need action across Britain against this problem, not just in London.

FURTHER INFORMATION

1. A new parking framework was introduced by the Department for Transport in March of this year. This gave councils in England the power to issue Penalty Charge Notices to motorists who park at dropped footways or double park. Authorities in London have successfully used this tool for a number of years to help wheelchair users and those with prams manoeuvre on and off pavements. It has also helped deter motorists from blocking the road when parking.

2. To make the power more effective, the Department for Transport is consulting on whether to allow authorities outside London to enforce against these specific offences without having to indicate the restrictions with traffic signs or roads markings.

3. Dropped footways are provided to help wheelchair users and those with powered mobility vehicles or prams get around easily and safely. They also allow residents to easily reach their garages or park on their driveways. The Highway Code says that you should not stop or park in such places

4. If the consultation reveals support for this change, it is likely to come into action next Spring (2009).