Pavement Parking Powers Coming to Norfolk — But Not Until Late 2026
Norfolk residents frustrated by cars blocking pavements were told new enforcement powers are on the way, but the council does not yet have the legal authority to act. Government secondary legislation expected later in 2026 will give councils across England — including Norfolk — the ability to fine drivers for pavement obstruction without needing street-by-street traffic orders.
Cars parked on pavements in Norwich and across Norfolk cannot yet be fined by the council, despite new government powers being on the way, Cabinet confirmed at its March meeting.
The issue was raised by a Thorpe Hamlet resident, who described pavement parking as a persistent problem affecting the safety and accessibility of streets for wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, parents with pushchairs and older residents.
The Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport, Cllr Graham Plant, confirmed that the government has announced secondary legislation — expected later in 2026 — that will give local authorities across England enhanced powers to enforce against pavement parking. Crucially, the new rules will allow Civil Enforcement Officers to issue penalties even where no specific signs or Traffic Regulation Orders are in place, removing the current need to process streets one by one.
Councils will retain flexibility over where restrictions apply and will be able to allow exemptions in areas where pavement parking causes little harm.
National guidance on how to use the new powers is also expected later in 2026. Until both the legislation and guidance are in place, the council has no legal powers to act.
Once the powers are enacted, the council said it would assess how to apply them in Thorpe Hamlet and other affected areas.