Residents and councillors hoping for a swift crackdown on pavement parking in Norfolk have been told they will have to wait, as the legal powers needed to enforce against obstructive parking on footways have not yet been granted to councils.

At the 7 April Cabinet meeting, Cllr Graham Plant, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport, clarified that while the government published the outcome of its 2020 consultation in January 2026, the Pavement Parking Bill has only had its first reading in Parliament and secondary legislation has yet to follow.

Cllr Ben Price raised concerns about residents on Speke Street, Livingstone Street and Grant Street in Wensum — including parents with prams and people using mobility aids — being regularly forced into the road. Cllr Rob Colwell also highlighted specific concerns around schools including Gaywood Primary and St Martha's in King's Lynn.

Cllr Plant confirmed that once statutory guidance is issued, the council will decide how to apply the new powers across Norfolk in discussion with partner authorities, including Norwich City Council. He said civil enforcement officer patrols could be targeted at problem areas identified by local communities.

The secondary legislation enabling councils to act is anticipated later in 2026, after which statutory guidance will be published before any enforcement can begin.

Residents wanting to flag problem locations in the meantime are encouraged to contact their local councillor or the council's highways team so areas can be prioritised when the new powers come into force.