In a recent consultation that received over 15,000 responses, the Department for Transport has announced new measures to improve pavement accessibility across England, and the outcome of the consultation has now been published.
In response to this consultation outcome, Hayley Lever, CEO of GM Moving, said:
“Our ability to move freely and easily around our communities helps us thrive by enabling access to work, education, services and culture, and improving our physical and mental wellbeing.
“Blocked pavements negatively impact those who face the most barriers to physical activity including those with sight-loss, mobility or sensory disabilities, older adults, parents with young children.
“Pavement parking is one of many factors which prevent people leaving their homes and feeling safe moving around their neighbourhood, to their local school, or shops.
“We therefore welcome the government’s response to the pavement parking consultation and their ambition to build safer, accessible, and more inclusive streets.
“GM Moving also welcomes the broader commitment to devolution and the acknowledgement that local leaders are best placed to meet local needs most effectively.
“We look forward to working with Mayor Andy Burnham, Active Travel Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey, and GM partners on how these new powers create safe, accessible, and inclusive streets.
“We believe this supports the Mayor’s ambition for 100 new School Streets by 2028, through easier walking and wheeling journeys to schools, and the Commissioners’ commitment to Vision Zero.”
“For drivers and pedestrians, we will need consistency throughout our city region so that your postcode does not impact your ability to move in a way that works for you.
“Our environment shapes how much we move, and reducing pavement parking can be a pivotal step towards creating Streets for All and our mission of Active Lives for All.”
