DEPARTMENT FOR
TRANSPORT News Release (058) issued by COI News Distribution Service
on 5 May 2009
English local
authorities will be able to tackle inconsiderate and dangerous
parking more easily, Transport Minister Paul Clark confirmed today.
From June, councils which carry out parking enforcement will be
able to issue Penalty Charge Notices to motorists who park at
dropped kerbs or double-park, without the need for these
prohibitions to be indicated with specific traffic signs or road
markings. This follows consultation which showed strong support
for the move.
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 - as well as stopping inconsiderate
motorists from blocking residents' driveways. It has also
helped deter motorists from blocking the road when parking.
Transport Minister Paul Clark said:
"Dropped kerbs are there to help wheelchair users and those
with powered mobility vehicles or prams get around easily and
safely. They also allow residents to access their garages and driveways.
"The Highway Code is clear that drivers should not stop or
park in such places and we believe placing of traffic signs or
road markings to indicate these restrictions should not be
necessary - as is the case in London. The same rules will apply to
double parking - a dangerous activity that causes an unnecessary
obstruction of the road, putting all road users at risk.
"While we believe signs and markings are not necessary in
these circumstances, we expect local authorities who want to use
these powers to do so in a fair and transparent manner and
publicise their plans to do so. All other restrictions will
continue to require clear signs and markings."
Chair of the Joint Committee on Mobility for Disabled People Joe
Hennessy said:
"Inconsiderate parking at dropped kerbs is a substantial
barrier to the mobility of disabled people particularly at
crossing points. The committee wholeheartedly support these new regulations."
Those who park across entranceways to private properties should
only be penalised if the owner of the property requests that the
council takes action.
Today's move will improve national consistency by bringing
the rest of England in line with authorities in London where
dropped kerb and double parking restrictions do not have to be
indicated with signs or markings. It will also help reduce street
clutter by limiting the number of signs at the roadside.
Notes to Editors
1. Currently local authorities are able to enforce contraventions
of parking alongside dropped kerbs or double parking under Part 6
of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA) if they have
responsibility for parking enforcement. DfT advised local
authorities that the TMA powers should be used with traffic signs
or road markings to show where the prohibitions apply.
2. Only local authorities in London could continue to enforce
these prohibitions without the need for traffic signs under the
London Local Authorities Acts.
3. DfT consulted widely on these amendment Regulations between
July 2008 and November 2008. Responses to the consultation showed
clear overall support from both the public and private sectors for
these, with 77% in favour.
4. As a result the amendment Regulations were laid in Parliament
today and will come into force on 1 June 2009.
5. The amendment Regulations and a summary of the consultation
responses is available on the DfT website.
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport
Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk