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The Government has warned that it plans to introduce new legislation aimed at tackling pavement parking, a move that could see UK drivers fined for leaving vehicles on footpaths.
By the end of 2026, ministers are expected to release statutory guidance that would allow local councils to issue penalties when vehicles are deemed to be unnecessarily obstructing pavements.
During a written parliamentary session this week, Labour MP James Naish asked for an update on progress surrounding proposed laws on pavement parking. The Rushcliffe MP questioned what assessment had been made since January 2025 on creating a new legal category for vehicles parked fully on pavements.
In response, the Department for Transport confirmed that the Government intends to give local authorities the power to penalise vehicles that block pavements, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Labour MP for Nottingham South, Lilian Greenwood, explained that on 8 January 2026 the Transport Secretary published the Government’s official response to the 2020 consultation “Pavement parking: options for change”, outlining planned legislative action.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport added that, initially, councils will be granted powers in 2026 to issue Penalty Charge Notices where pavement parking causes unnecessary obstruction. Future primary legislation will also allow local transport authorities to opt in to banning pavement parking across their entire areas.
Authorities will be able to exempt certain locations, such as narrow streets where pavement parking may be required to keep traffic moving. In areas without a strategic transport authority, unitary and county councils will also be able to choose whether to adopt the new powers.
Separately, Green Party MP Siân Berry raised concerns about regional differences in pavement parking enforcement. The Brighton Pavilion MP asked how the Government plans to avoid inconsistencies and when official guidance would be published.
Responding again, Lilian Greenwood reiterated that the Government’s consultation response had been published in January 2026 and confirmed that statutory guidance will be issued by the end of 2026 to help councils enforce the rules fairly and proportionately.
