The Welsh Government has shelved a consultation on banning pavement parking after councils apparently claimed they were too busy to engage with it.
In January, deputy minister for climate change Lee Waters said that the devolved administration would bring in legislation to allow the existing offence of obstruction to be used, having given up on the ‘frustratingly slow’ process of waiting for Westminster to change the law.
In a statement to the Senedd, he said: ‘I propose to consult widely prior with a view to introducing the necessary legislation by the end of 2023.’
However, in a new statement that he said was ‘issued during recess in order to keep members informed’, he said: ‘I recognise that we are asking a lot of hard-pressed local authorities at what continues to be a difficult time.
'I have listened to the feedback from leaders and decided to delay the consultation on pavement parking until next year.’
Mr Waters added: ‘This will enable local authorities to focus on the implementation and introduction of default 20mph speed limits in September 2023 and the work to prepare for bus franchising.’
Joshua James, public affairs manager, Living Streets Cymru said: 'Pavement parking is dangerous and stops many people from leaving the house and enjoying the benefits of walking.
'While it's frustrating to see this delay to enforcement, it’s important that Welsh Government and local authorities can work together to make sure that measures to tackle pavement parking are as effective as possible.'
The Department for Transport has not progressed the issue since its consultation on pavement parking closed in autumn 2020.
