The Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom has given local leaders new powers to introduce pavement parking restrictions across England, a welcome step for accessibility and inclusive streets.

Why this matters:

Blocked pavements aren’t just inconvenient. They can prevent journeys, force people into traffic, reduce independence, and cut people off from work, education, and everyday life. Clear, accessible pavements make streets safer, more inclusive, and stronger for communities

The challenge isn’t having the powers, it’s using them well. At Citisense, we help councils across the UK turn policy into practical action.

How we at Citisense can support councils:

As this new framework comes forward, the focus will be on putting it into practice effectively. That’s where we’re already supporting authorities across the UK with:

• Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs / TMOs) – drafting, review, compliance and advice on how to structure area-wide or targeted footway parking controls that stand up legally and operationally.
• Design & implementation – signing, lining, kerbside layouts, exemptions, and ensuring schemes are clear, enforceable and accessible.
• Site investigations & reviews – understanding where footway parking genuinely causes problems, and where flexibility is still needed.
• Kerbside monitoring & evidence – using tools like our SmartLenz cameras to understand parking behaviour, footway usage, compliance, and displacement before and after schemes go live.
• Operational and enforcement support – helping ensure policies translate into something that actually works on the street, not just on paper.

The DfT has set the direction. Now the real work starts, turning that into streets that feel safer, more accessible and fairer for everyone who uses them.

“If you’re a local authority thinking about how these new powers might apply in your area, or how to review footway parking more strategically, I’m always happy to share lessons learned or have a conversation” Jack Jerrom Head of Design at Citisense.

Get in touch today with Our Head of Design, Jack Jerrom, to find out how we can support you in delivering footway parking initiatives.