North Yorkshire mayor welcomes powers to tackle pavement parking
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has welcomed new powers to make it easier to restrict pavement parking
Last updated 9th Jan 2026
New powers aiming to tackle pavement parking will help clear footpaths for parents, disabled people and vulnerable people, York and North Yorkshire’s mayor has said.
Labour Mayor David Skaith said plans to let local leaders impose restrictions to clear pavements of parked cars in some areas 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.
Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said clear pavements were essential for people to move around safely and independently.
It comes after the Department for Transport announced local authorities were set to get the new powers following a consultation which took place in 2020.
York councillors called on the Government to move ahead with the proposals in September, backing a motion from Labour’s Cllr Anna Baxter saying they were long overdue.
Goverment plans would see local authorities get powers to restrict pavement parking across widers areas than they can currently.
Existing powers are often limited to individual streets and require lengthy, complex processes to implement, according to the Government.
Local officials will be able to decide where to implement restrictions in their areas while having the flexbility to leave out areas where pavement parking is not an issue.
The Department for Transport is due to set out guidance on how local authorities can use the powers later this year.
Mr Skaith said councils outside London had previously been powerless to do anything about pavement parking.
“Pavement parking makes it harder for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities to get around,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Taylor said officials would work with North Yorkshire Police and community partners to implement the powers once further details are known.
In September, York councillors backed Cllr 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.
Ms Greenwood said on Thursday (January 8) 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.”