5. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport: Tackling Pavement Parking

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:33 pm on 13 October 2020.

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Photo of Caroline Jones Caroline Jones UKIP 5:33, 13 October 2020

Thank you for your statement, Deputy Minister. Pavement parking is one of the biggest problems facing those with mobility issues, young mums with pushchairs and small children, and persons with sight loss. Deputy Minister, unless measures are strictly enforced, my constituents will continue to have to run the gauntlet whenever they leave their homes. How will measures be enforced, and what discussions have you had with local authorities and police forces about enforcement measures? Because, in a small village within my region, a commercial vehicle constantly parks where there are double yellow lines, forcing people out onto the road and repeatedly endangering lives.

Deputy Minister, that said, do you agree that we also have to address the other side of the coin, which is the lack of parking provision? What discussions have you had with the major house builders about ensuring that housing developments provide sufficient parking provision at the property or nearby? And do you agree that providing one or two parking spaces for a five-bedroomed home is completely inadequate nowadays? Some households have two or three cars—often four. Deputy Minister, what actions is the Welsh Government taking to reduce reliance on personal cars? And will you be making additional investment in public transport? What consideration have you given to promoting or even subsidising car-sharing schemes as an alternative? Finally, Deputy Minister, what impact do you think working from home will have on car ownership and the problem of pavement parking? Diolch yn fawr.