In response to residents’ concerns about people blocking access to dropped kerbs, Solihull Council has decided to adopt new parking enforcement powers.
From Monday 5 September, people who park in front of dropped kerbs and block access will be issued with a fine of £70. This will be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days. The fines are being introduced following a review of the council’s parking services strategy, which took place in July. This identified that there was scope to issue a £70 Penalty Charge Notice to any motorist who obstructs a pedestrian dropped kerb where tactile paving is present.
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, Cllr Ken Hawkins, said: “In response to residents’ concerns about parked vehicles blocking access to footways, and in accordance with the Highway Code, I agreed to change our enforcement policy to help tackle inconsiderate parking across the Borough.
“This change reinforces our Sustainable Travel policies – which encourage walking and cycling - and will help keep dropped kerbs with tactile paving free from parked vehicles. Dropped kerbs are particularly important to help people who use wheelchairs or pushchairs to travel safely and independently. The new enforcement powers will help to deter the minority or people who continue to park in an inconsiderate manner blocking access to dropped kerbs.”
The Parking Service and Strategy update was discussed and approved on 12 July 2022.