A change to pavement parking legislation is being called on to tackle what is described as a "persistent problem" rife in Cambridgeshire.

The chair of highways and transport at Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) has written to the Department for Transport (DfT) calling for pavement parking action.

In his letter to the DfT, Cllr Alex Beckett says the council is asking for an update on the current plans for any legislation changes and an estimated timescale.

Cllr Alex Beckett said: "Parking on the pavement is a persistent problem and an ongoing concern for Cambridgeshire residents. It causes safety issues for everyone; it damages our pavements and prevents access for pedestrians and cyclists. 

The Hunts Post: Pavement parking is described as a persistent problem in the county.Pavement parking is described as a persistent problem in the county. (Image: Cambridgeshire Constabulary)

"There are many areas across our network where we would want to prevent pavement parking, particularly where a lack of enforcement is abused by anti-social drivers."

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In November 2020, the DfT ran a consultation asking whether a change in existing parking legislation should occur.

CCC responded and said it would like to see a ban on pavement parking put in place, outside of London, with a new process for exempting areas from the ban without using the current traffic regulation order (TRO) process. 

Cllr Beckett added: "Currently, we must make a TRO, which is expensive and time-consuming.

 "We responded to this consultation almost three years ago, so I have written to Rt. Hon Mark Harper MP, to ask for an update as we have not seen any action or changes." 

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The County Council is also applying for Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) powers, which could mean on-street enforcement.

Civil parking enforcement outside of the city of Cambridge is enforced by the police.

If authorised by DfT, it could mean the County Council will be able to enforce inconsiderate parking, help improve access and support local businesses whilst contributing to the council's joint administration overarching environmental objective to reduce congestion and improve air quality.