PARKING on the pavements is an issue guaranteed to get people hot under the collar.

Like cycling on pavements, it’s a perennial problem that causes serious concern in our communities.

However, a solution could be on its way.

The Department for Transport is to consult on a ban on parking on the pavements which could be brought in across England.

South Essex councillors and campaigners say the move will help communities and save money.

This is a pleasing move for Jill Allen-King OBE, a leading campaigner for blind people who lost a family member who died after falling on a broken pavement.

Jill, 80, from Westcliff, who has been campaigning for the change for 42 years.

She said: “I was running a campaign with the Federation of the Blind called Give us back our pavements in June 1978.

“We even had the backing of the Department of Transport and we wanted to stop people parking on pavements.”

She added: “I am delighted it’s being talked about again.

“I had a family member who died after she fell on a broken pavement.

“She was a fit and healthy 70-year-old and spent two years in hospital.

“Drivers do not realise how much of a hazard they are causing when parking on our pavements and the damage to the footpaths and grass verges.

“One of the issues is parking provision for homes and another is that people are lazy and feel there’s a need to park very close to their homes.”

Ron Woodley, Southend Council’s deputy leader, says pavement parking is careless and causes damage.

He said: “It is also dangerous for pedestrians and disabled people, who may have to cross the street or go into the road because they cannot pass a car that has parked on the pavement.

“I would welcome more national powers to tackle this issue.

“Not only would a nationwide ban make the law clear and consistent for all motorists across the country, it would also inevitably reduce damage to local pavements in Southend, and reduce the danger for pedestrians.

“This proposed change fits nicely with my own plans to improve and increase enforcement across the borough.

“I have already asked for officers to step up their enforcement activity right away on verge parking and those who cross the pavement without a dropped kerb and this will be increased later in the year as part of a review of the council’s highways service and the creation of a small highways enforcement team.”

Basildon Council leader, Labour’s Gavin Callaghan, said: “We understand how big an issue parking is across the borough.

“People’s vehicle needs have changed considerably since our estates were built and designed.

“How this proposal will affect our residents and services is the council’s focus.

“While we do not oppose the pavement parking ban there are implications for our borough that need to be closely considered.

“We will be working with the Department of Transport on any proposals to change parking in our borough – putting our people first”.