Luton MP launches petition to tackle pavement parking as new council powers come in

Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins has launched a petition calling on the council to make full use of new powers to tackle pavement parking following recent changes to national enforcement rules.

Ms Hopkins says inconsiderate parking on pavements is a common concern among residents across Luton and south Bedfordshire and is particularly problematic for people with disabilities, parents with pushchairs and older people. She has urged local leaders to act swiftly to enforce against vehicles blocking footways.

The government recently confirmed that local councils will be given greater legal authority to crack down on pavement parking where it causes unnecessary obstructions. Under planned secondary legislation due this year, civil enforcement officers will be able to issue penalty charges to drivers whose vehicles are obstructing pavements, offering councils a more flexible way to address problem parking without relying on lengthy procedures.

Ms Hopkins’ petition said pavements should be safe and accessible for everyone, but that in many parts of her constituency this is not always the case because of obstructive parking. Her petition calls on Luton Council to “actively embrace these new powers by introducing enforcement of pavement parking across Luton’s streets at the earliest opportunity to make our pavements safer.”

At present, pavement parking in Luton is not prohibited across the town, though specific restrictions exist on some streets. Where no formal restrictions apply, enforcement can be difficult and often relies on police action if a vehicle is causing a dangerous obstruction. Under the government’s changes, local civil enforcement officers will have more discretion to address unnecessary obstruction when they see it.

The move reflects wider national debate on how best to tackle pavement parking. Drivers and campaign groups have been divided on whether an outright ban should be introduced or whether councils should have stronger powers to deal with specific problem areas. Recent government policy has focused on giving local authorities the ability to act where obstruction occurs, alongside existing tools such as Traffic Regulation Orders.

Ms Hopkins is encouraging residents concerned about pavement parking to sign her petition, which aims to demonstrate community support for action locally: https://rachelhopkins.org/2026/01/13/back-my-call-to-tackle-pavement-parking/