Mixed reaction over proposals that could see Sheffield drivers fined for parking on pavement

Controversial measures which could see Sheffield motorists fined for parking on the pavement has split opinion among Star readers.
Parking on the streets.Parking on the streets.
Parking on the streets.

The rule has already been place in London for more than 40 years but Department for Transport officials are looking into expanding it across the country.

The proposal has been suggested by DfT previously with drivers potentially hit with £70 fines for mounting the kerb but were never introduced.

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However, the Government is now looking at the issue again to prevent vehicles from blocking paths and causing difficulties for wheelchair users, people with pushchairs and blind pedestrians.

More than 100 readers posted comments on The Star's Facebook page to express their thoughts on the issue and opinion was split.

David Cammack believes there are a "few flaws" with the proposal.

He added: "Narrow streets with terraced housing - where are people supposed to park? If they park on the roads fully, you won't be able to drive down the road and pavements are often very wide so long as there is room for people with mobility scooters or buggies to pass, where's the problem?"

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Nichola Smith added: "I agree some roads are very narrow so when cars park on both sides its hardly likely you would get down the road, especially buses."

Andrew Kerslake posted: "The trouble with Sheffield is that many of the residential streets were constructed in the early 20th century when it was not expected that every house would own a car, let alone two or three.

"If there is insufficient room to park fully on the road, and every street in an area is the same width, where do people suggest residents park?"

But David Smith said: "The pavements for pedestrians not for people to park on."

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Mick Ibbotson described the plans as "brilliant" adding: "It is about time too - tow them away and crush them then bill the owner for the service."

A Sheffield Council spokesperson said: "Highway authorities already have some powers to prohibit parking on pavements, and we would be interested in any proposals that would help to address these further, especially if they allow greater flexibility and discretion to be applied by civil enforcement officers while ensuring a consistent approach to motorists."