Residents fuming after pavement parking in Wigan community

General view of cars parked on Heaton Street, Standish

Locals in Standish have reported problems with cars blocking footpaths on Preston Road and other residential streets.

The issue has sparked calls for more to be done to stop pavement parking including banning it or giving councils greater enforcement powers.

Standish councillor Adam Marsh said: “There is a big problem on terraced streets which are narrow such as Heaton Street. It means some cars can’t pass by because of double parking and it can also be difficult on footpaths.

General view of cars parked on Preston Road, Standish

“I understand people will need to park on pavements outside their home but they need to do so responsibly leaving enough room for people to get past. Otherwise there are problems for wheelchair users, people with prams or grandparents with prams and the visually impaired.”

It comes as the Government has said a 12-week consultation this summer will look at options including how a national pavement parking ban could work. This will take into account necessary exceptions and extended enforcement powers for local authorities.

At the moment, outside of London, only the police have the power to enforce pavement parking bans where there are no waiting restrictions.

The consultation would also explore the need for any necessary exceptions or designated spots for pavement parking where needed, and how a tailored approach may be required in rural and suburban areas, which face very different challenges.

Coun Marsh said: “Parking in a prohibited area was a criminal offence but now it’s enforced by councils. Parking on pavements could be a similar thing. Whether it’s a criminal or civil matter isn’t the issue though, it’s about who has the power to do what.

“There’s a lot of pressure on the police as it is so I would like to see the government give councils and regions greater enforcement power over pavement parking.”

Wigan Council states on its website that councils can fine motorists for parking on pavements or verges if in an area with waiting restrictions such as yellow lines. Where there are no waiting restrictions, only police can enforce the law against obstructing motorists.