MP welcomes change allowing pavement parking restrictions
12/01/2026
Sean Woodcock says it is a regular complaint he hears from people
Banbury’s MP Sean Woodcock has welcomed the news that new powers are being introduced to stop people blocking pavements by parking on them.
The Department for Transport will now allow local leaders the legal powers to restrict pavement parking across wider areas. A previous approach was often limited to individual streets and required a lengthy and complex implementation processes.
Mr Woodcock said: “I am ecstatic that the government is giving our local authority the power to ensure pavements are clear from cars and obstructions, so that disabled people are able to navigate and access our community more easily.
“It is a regular complaint from people when door-knocking and at my surgeries. That’s why I have personally lobbied ministers on the issue since being elected.
“Pavement parking in our area can significantly disrupt accessibility, so cracking down on this will allow people with additional needs to travel with increased ease and safety. So this news is extremely welcome.”
Blocked pavements can create serious barriers for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted people, and older people, limiting independence and making everyday journeys harder and less safe.
Guide Dogs’ Chief Executive Andrew Lennox said: “Cars blocking pavements are a nuisance for everyone, but especially dangerous for people with sight loss, who can be forced into the road with traffic they can’t see.
“Pavement parking is also a barrier that shuts people out of everyday life. When pavements are blocked, people with sight loss lose confidence, independence and the freedom to travel safely. This stops people from accessing work, education and social opportunities.”
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “Our research shows a clear majority of drivers agree that no pavement user should be made to walk or wheel into the road because of someone else’s inconsiderate parking.
“These proposals should clear the way for councils to prevent pavement parking where it causes problems, but permit drivers to partially park on pavements where doing so helps keep traffic flowing and doesn’t inconvenience other people.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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