CAMPAIGNERS have hailed plans to fine “inconsiderate” drivers who block footpaths with their obstructive parking.

The North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) hopes to crack down on motorists taking up pavements by taking on new enforcement powers.

At the moment, only the police can enforce obstructive parking but Mike Lilley, Colchester councillor responsible for public safety, says officers do not have the time to take action.

The parking partnership will now approach Police and Fire Commissioner Roger Hirst in a bid to share powers to enforce cases of pavement parking.

It hopes to start a scheme similar to Tendring Council’s Considerate Parking Initiative, which sees the council work with the police to tackle inconsiderate, but not necessarily illegal, parking.

Mr Lilley said: “This is targetting people parking in an inconsiderate way, it is not a total ban on people parking with two wheels on the pavement outside their home for example.

“There must be some kind of discretion, but footpaths are for walking.

“We haven’t got the powers to enforce it at the moment and the police can’t enforce it - they are far too busy.

“Mothers with prams and people in wheelchairs shouldn’t be made to risk their own safety by having to go into the road.”

He added: “This will give the partnership a chance to take enforcement action.”

The move comes as four national organisations call on the government to implement a blanket ban on parking on pavements across the country.

Living Streets, Guide Dogs, the British Parking Association and the Local Government Association (LGA) all hope to highlight the danger pavement parking poses to vulnerable people.

Martin Tett, the LGA’s transport spokesman, said: “Councils would like to have the option for a default ban, with the ability to allow pavement parking in certain circumstances, as is currently available in London.

“They would carefully consult with communities on the best parking provision for their area.

“This move could enable authorities to better protect vulnerable pedestrians and provide a more consistent approach for all road users.”