Birmingham is set to ban an everyday driving manoeuvre—parking on pavements—as part of a significant push to improve pedestrian safety. The city council is seeking new powers from the Government that will allow them to prohibit pavement parking on selected roads.
This move is aligned with a nationwide effort to eliminate pavement parking, which often endangers pedestrians and restricts access, especially for those using mobility aids. If granted, Birmingham City Council will be able to enforce these restrictions on busy streets and areas known for parking issues, with enforcement expected to begin later this year.
Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, welcomed the initiative, stating, “We need to change the way we move goods and people around the city and be less reliant on private cars. Inconsiderate and illegal pavement parking creates barriers for walking and cycling and contributes to road collisions. These new measures will help communities move safely around the city.”
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The changes are expected to work similarly to double yellow line regulations, marking a major adjustment for local motorists. The council has also introduced a new ‘spy car’ to monitor and clamp down on illegal and poor parking behaviours.
This initiative follows years of campaigning by safety groups and represents Birmingham’s commitment to creating safer, more accessible, and inclusive public spaces. It forms part of the broader Birmingham Transport Plan, which encourages active travel and safer movement throughout the city.