Pavement Parking a Concern Frequently Raised by Guildford Residents

Published on: 22 Feb, 2025
Updated on: 24 Feb, 2025

Tradesmen’s vans parked on the pavement in narrow Buryfields, Guildford. But is there no enforcement or have they got permission and as they might argue, where else are they meant to go?

By Esme Campbell

The potential for a pavement parking ban has emerged following Labour’s pledge to act upon a 2020 Conservative consultation on the issue.

Almost 46 per cent of 300 motorists surveyed were in support of a pavement parking ban, and a Guildford councillor agrees.

While pavement parking is already banned in London and Edinburgh, a survey carried out by Venson Automotive Solutions revealed nearly half of participants believe it should be banned in other cities and towns.

The greatest reason motorists gave for supporting a ban was the accessibility of pavements for vulnerable pedestrians, followed by limitations for pedestrians to safely cross roads.

Pavement parking in Turnham Close, St Catherine’s. Cul-de-sac entrances without yellow lines can be vulnerable to this kind of parking by motorists avoiding car park charges.

This concern is shared by Guildford residents, as Cllr Maddy Redpath (R4GV, Castle) revealed, saying: “Pavement parking is a frequent concern raised by residents across Guildford Borough, particularly in areas where narrow footways force pedestrians — including parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users, and those with visual impairments — into the road. It is a significant issue for accessibility and safety.”

The survey also revealed 18 per cent of motorists are against the ban, largely due to concerns about already limited parking availability.

As Guildford town centre has comprehensive parking regulations, a ban may further restrict the already limited options. Parking availability on residential roads could also be compromised.

Cllr Maddy Redpath.

Cllr Redpath added “However, if a ban were to be introduced, I believe there should be carefully considered exceptions where pavement parking does not obstruct pedestrians and where space allows. In Guildford, particularly in the town centre, on-street parking is already extremely limited, and any enforcement measures must take this into account.

“Striking the right balance is crucial. Clear, well-communicated enforcement rules will be essential to ensure that pedestrian safety is improved without creating unnecessary difficulties for residents and businesses.”

The government’s current considerations of a pavement parking ban include giving local authorities the power and freedom to decide how and where to place the bans.

A spokesperson from Surrey County Council said: “We recognise the problems caused by antisocial pavement parking and try to tackle the problem through enforcement where restrictions are in place.

“In most town centres such as Guildford there are widespread waiting restrictions (single or double yellow lines), and these also make it illegal to park on the pavement or verge as well as the road. Our enforcement officers will enforce against vehicles that do park on pavements and verges where there are waiting restrictions in place.

“Surrey County Council supports stronger powers for councils to enforce against dangerous and obstructive pavement parking rather than a blanket ban which could cause significant displacement of vehicles in some residential areas.”

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