Residents and businesses are being urged to share their views on new proposals to ban pavement parking in the city centre as Sheffield City Council shares plans to introduce new powers to tackle inconsiderate and dangerous parking.
Green Party Councillor Douglas Johnson, Executive Member for Executive Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport at Sheffield City Council said: “We know that pavement parking is a real problem in the city centre, with parked cars causing dangers and inconvenience for people every-day, as it restricts access and often forces people out into the road. People using wheelchairs and prams are often most affected.”
“This proposed ban will help to make sure that people can get where they want to go safely and easily. We need to make sure that our city centre is inclusive and accessible for everyone who visits and we’re taking this step to stop people parking selfishly and hindering others.”
The introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order in the New Year would allow parking enforcement officers to clamp down on drivers who park on the pavement. Fines for £70 (£35 if paid within 14 days) will apply under the new rules. The ban will be enforced across the city centre in phases and will include some of the busiest streets such as West Street and Arundel Gate, where off road parking is generally available. Signs will inform drivers of the ban. The police can still fine drivers for obstructing the footway.
Cllr Johnson said “We receive a high number of complaints about pavement parking and I’m pleased that we’re now able to take this action which will hopefully act as a deterrent to those who choose to break the rules. There are plenty of on-street and off-street cark parks in the city centre that are available to use, and I want it to be clear that parking on the pavement is not an option.”
Parking enforcement officers can currently fine drivers for parking on the pavement or grass verges if they have parked on a street with waiting restrictions i.e. yellow lines. Under the new plans, fines can also be issued to vehicles parked on a footpath next to:
- Controlled crossing zigzags
- Bus stop clearways
- Parking bays
- Unrestricted roads
Residents and business affected by the proposals will be contacted directly to inform them of the plans with the opportunity to provide feedback. They will be able to flag up any real difficulties that the proposals could cause them, which will be considered by the council.
