PLANS to possibly implement a nationwide ban on pavement parking have been widely welcomed.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has set out proposals to tackle the problem and make streets safer for parents and people with a disability.

A consultation will look at options to crackdown on the practice of parking on the pavement.

One possibility under consideration is a nationwide pavement parking ban, taking into account necessary exceptions, and extended enforcement powers for local authorities.

The Government will seek the views of a wide range of stakeholders over the summer in an attempt to improve the lives of people with mobility or sight impairments, as well parents with prams who may be forced into the road to get around parked vehicles.

Among possible solutions that will be investigated during the 12-week consultation are allowing local authorities with civil enforcement powers to crack down on unnecessary obstructions of pavements. As things stand, outside London only police are able to do so.

The consultation will look into how a nationwide ban enforced by local authorities might work - allowing for any necessary exceptions or designated spots for pavement parking where needed and how a tailored approach may be required in rural and suburban areas which face very different challenges.

Mr Shapps said: "Vehicles parked on the pavement can cause very real difficulties for many pedestrians.

"That's why I am taking action to make pavements safer and I will be launching a consultation to find a long-term solution for this complex issue.

"We welcome the Transport Select Committee's recent report and share their drive to tackle pavement parking and improve people's daily lives."

A Department for Transport review last year looked into the problems of pavement parking, the effectiveness of legislation and the case for reform.

The exercise found that pavement parking was problematic for 95 per cent of respondents who are visually impaired and 98per cent of people who use wheelchairs.

Blanche Shackleton, of the charity Guide Dogs, said: "Pavement parking prevents people with sight loss from getting out and about safely, resulting in feelings of loneliness and isolation.

"We look forward to working with the Government to make this proposed law a reality."

Stephen Edwards, of Living Streets, said: "Pavement parking forces people with wheelchairs, buggies and those living with sight loss into the road and into oncoming traffic.

"The most vulnerable pedestrians continue to be put at risk of injury and isolation every day that this dangerous act continues.

"Clear pavements need clear laws, but currently regional differences cause confusion.

"We need a nationwide default ban, with the option to allow pavement parking in certain circumstances, as is currently available in London.

"This would be much simpler to enact and easier for everyone to understand."

Currently there are a number of prohibited parking spots in the UK, where some of the most common motoring fines are issued when drivers aren't even in their vehicles.

If you park in any of the following restricted areas, you could very likely receive a fine:

*double yellow lines: they mean parking is not permitted at any time and can be painted on the road or the kerb;

*yellow zig zag lines: they indicate the length of road where stopping is prohibited and are often found outside schools, hospitals and police stations;

*double red lies: painted on the road or kerb, they ban drivers stopping at any time except for licensed taxis or blue badge holders, who can drop off or pick up passengers;

*clearway: indicated by a sign with red cross over a blue background, a clearway prohibits all traffic from stopping at all times;

*taxi bays:only licensed public taxis may park in these bays;

*cycle lane: at no time must motorists drive or park in a cycle lane.

Meanwhile, firefighters in Taunton have been pleading with vehicle owners to park considerately.

They fear the streets of the county town are more likely to be "jam packed" with parked cars as many people work from home or self isolate during the Coronavirus crisis.

"It's adding to the already crowded parking areas," said a spokesman for Taunton Fire Station.

"Please think and park sensibly at all times. It is an offence to obstruct emergency workers and it could cost lives."

They are urging vehicle owners to:

•park close to the kerb;

•leave enough space for a fire engine or an ambulance to pass;

•leave extra room near tight corners;

•fold in your wing mirror.

The spokesman added: "Every second counts when the emergency services are responding to an incident.

"Fire spreads fast - please don't let your parking slow us down. #FireKills."