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Selfish drivers who park on pavements could be hit with fines of up to £70 under a review of traffic laws.

Ministers want to stop motorists blocking paths and causing problems for wheelchair users, people with pushchairs and blind pedestrians.

Council chiefs have been pressing for the change, which is set to be part of an overhaul of traffic regulations later this year.

It would bring the rest of England in line with London, where a ban was introduced in 1974.

Transport Minister Jesse Norman said his ­department was gathering evidence and expects a decision later this year.

Government plans

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Proposals for the fines have been talked about since 2016, but it appears the conversation has once again got people talking.

It comes as part of wider government plans to improve traffic and ease congestion across the country.

Transport minister Jesse Norman said: "The Department for Transport has been considering the scope for improving the traffic regulation order process.

"However, the department is now undertaking a broader piece of work to gather evidence on the issue of pavement parking.

"We expect to be able to draw conclusions later this year."

While the issue of pedestrian access is real – especially for those with disabilities or young children – some claim the law would not always be suitable and the changes may adversely affect residential areas.

Ease congestion

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Edmund King from the AA said: "There are some streets that are so narrow that if cars park on both sides it wouldn’t allow emergency vehicles or bin lorries to get through.

"We would be concerned if there was a blanket ban because it is clearly possible in some areas to park on the pavement while still allowing room for pushchairs or people in wheelchairs to pass."

The Highway Code already instructs motorists to not park on the pavement. However, currently, no fines are in place outside London.

"You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it," the government website reads.

"Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs."