Parking on the pavements in Sheffield city center is now prohibited UK News

The ban means that vehicles parked on a footpath next to controlled crossing zigzags, bus stops, parking spaces and unrestricted roads can be fined.

The ban will be in effect on some of Sheffield’s busiest streets such as West Street and Arundel Gate.

Signs will be put up to inform motorists of the ban.

Previously, only the police were allowed to issue fines for parking obstructions, but Sheffield Council now has the formal power to act.

Councilor Douglas Johnson, Executive Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: ‘This is a big win for people who just want to use sidewalks safely without being in the way of a vehicle.

“People will now be safer in our city center.”

Green Councilor Martin Phipps said: ‘This is great news, the pavements are for people and not for cars to park.

The council revealed plans to make it illegal to stop at any time on a path or curb around town center streets towards the end of last year.

In a report, council officers said: ‘There is growing public pressure to tackle parking on city center pavements, which hampers pedestrian safety by obstructing access and visibility.

“Feasibility and design work is currently underway to investigate options to address the issue with the aim of preventing vehicles from parking behind controlled crossing zigzags, behind cleared bus stop lanes, behind pay and display bays, private land beyond the public thoroughfare and any other areas identified as a hazard to pedestrians.

Ahead of a consultation on the plans last year, Councilor Johnson said: ‘We get a lot of complaints about on-pavement parking and I’m glad we’re now able to take this step which hopefully will will have a deterrent effect on those who choose to break the rules. There are plenty of on-street and off-street parking in the city center that are available, and I want to make it clear that curbside parking is not an option.

Parking officers will fine drivers £70 for parking on the carriageway or £35 if paid within 14 days.

Police can also fine drivers for obstructing the sidewalk.