A change to the driving laws of Britain could see all cars banned - under threat of instant fines - from parking on pavements. A private members bill tabled by Marsha De Cordova had been due to have its second reading in the Commons on Friday, July 11.

Atthe first reading the MP explained that it would give local authorities power to enforce against anti-social and hazardous pavement parking, and associated powers to enforce against obstructive parking of rental micromobility devices, including e-scooters and e-bikes.

She said: "Across much of the country, cars blocking pavements are one of the most common problems faced by pedestrians. Pavement parking can be especially dangerous for wheelchair users and those using other mobility devices, people with pushchairs and young children, and people with sight loss, like me, who can be forced into the road with traffic that they cannot see.

"According to research conducted by the charity Guide Dogs, four out of five blind or partially sighted people said that pavement parking made it difficult to walk on the pavement at least once a week, and nearly 95% of people living with sight loss have been forced to walk in the road owing to vehicles parked on pavements. That number rose to 99% for wheelchair or mobility scooter users."

This week it emerged that the next stage for this Bill, Second reading, is now scheduled to take place on Friday 17 October 2025. The Private Members' Bill was introduced to Parliament on Wednesday 29 January under the Ten Minute Rule.

In England, pavement parking is generally permitted unless specifically prohibited by a local authority through a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). London is the exception, where pavement parking is illegal. The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 makes it illegal to park on the pavement in Scotland, as well as double parking and at dropped kerbs designed to allow pedestrians to cross the road safely.

Ms De Cordova said: "As well as causing an obstruction, cars parked on pavements damage the surface, creating trip hazards, and one in five people with sight loss said they had been injured as a result. However, it does not have to be this way. In London, a law prohibiting pavement parking has been in place since 1974. Progress has also been made in Scotland, where the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 enabled local councils to enforce against pavement parking.

"Although it has long been a specific offence to drive on pavements outside London and Scotland, it is not a specific offence to park on pavements in most circumstances. That is reflected in highway code rule 244, which states:

'You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it.'"

She explained civil traffic enforcement is possible in some limited cases, such as for parking over dropped kerbs or adjacent to double yellow lines, but in most cases local traffic wardens do not actually have powers to act. Councils can use traffic regulation orders or install physical barriers to prevent pavement parking, but TROs are not designed to be used to cover wide areas and require considerable signage and street markings, making their widespread use expensive.

She added: "In some cases, cars blocking pavements can be considered an obstruction under the Highways Act 1980. However, as this is a criminal offence, it can be enforced only by police. Given the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes an obstruction, and the lack of police resources, relying on police enforcement has not proven effective. There is a clear need for a law that brings the rest of England in line with London and Scotland. Councils need to be empowered to take action, as they know their areas best. This Bill would give them the flexibility to create limited exemptions in response to consultation with their local communities."

A survey by online parking platform YourParkingSpace, based on responses from over 2,000 UK adults, reveals a sharp split in opinion ahead of what had been scheduled as the Parking Offence Bill's Second Reading in the House of Commons on Friday 11 July.

Supporters of a ban say it would make pavements safer and more accessible. Almost one in five respondents (19%) agreed, saying it would improve conditions for pedestrians, wheelchair users and parents with prams.

But others are worried about where the cars would go. Around one in ten (11%) fear a ban would increase congestion in local car parks and make loading or unloading more difficult near their homes.

At present, pavement parking is banned in London and Scotland. Elsewhere in England and Wales the rules are inconsistent, with councils able to fine drivers in some cases - but no nationwide policy in place. The proposed Bill would give local authorities greater powers to enforce restrictions and introduce a more standardised approach.

Andy Syrett, UK Managing Director at YourParkingSpace, said: "This is a live issue that affects almost every street in the country. If a nationwide ban is introduced, it would mean a major change to how millions of people park their cars - and live their daily lives.

"There's strong support for safer, more accessible pavements. But it's clear many drivers are worried about the disruption, especially in built-up areas where space is already tight."