BCP Council has welcomed new Government powers that will make it easier to restrict pavement parking across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
In January 2026, the Department for Transport confirmed that local leaders will be given improved legal powers to take action on pavement parking across wider areas, replacing the current system which limits action to individual streets and involves lengthy and complex processes.
The new approach will allow councils to decide where restrictions are needed, while keeping flexibility in places where pavement parking may still be considered acceptable. The powers form part of the Government’s wider plan for change and aim to support safer and more inclusive streets.
Guidance to help local authorities use the new powers is expected to be published later in 2026.
Councillor Richard Herrett, cabinet member for destination, leisure and commercial operations at BCP Council, said: “Pavement parking can cause real problems for our residents, particularly parents with prams, wheelchair users and those with sight loss. We welcome any new powers from government that can make people’s journeys in BCP easier and await more detail from the Department for Transport later this year.”
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