Five of the seven North East local councils actively provide vehicle parking on pavements, with either parking bays or signage, freedom of information data reveals. Research by the BBC, achieved through FOI requests sent to local authorities across England, has shown that Gateshead, South Tyneside, Northumberland, Durham, and Sunderland councils have altered pavements to boost parking.
Only Newcastle City and North Tyneside councils opt not to reserve pavement space for cars, according to the data.
Disabled people impacted
Dr Lucy Reynolds, founder and managing director of We Are All Disabled CIC, said: “Accessible pavements aren’t a luxury; they’re a necessity. For many disabled people, the pavement is our route to work, education, healthcare and social activities. When that route is blocked, it isn’t just an inconvenience; it can mean someone is unable to leave their home safely or take part in everyday life.”
Research from the Royal National Institute of Blind People in 2025 found that 92% of blind or partially sighted people have been forced to step into the road to get around obstacles, putting them at higher risk of accidents. The Institute also found that only 9% of blind or partially sighted people strongly agree that they feel safe making independent walking journeys in their neighbourhood.
Council response
A South Tyneside Council spokesperson said: “We recognise the concerns associated with pavement parking, particularly for disabled people, people with visual impairments and parents with pushchairs. At the same time, some roads present practical challenges in balancing pedestrian access, resident parking and the safe movement of traffic.
“The Government has announced its intention to introduce additional powers for local authorities in relation to pavement parking. We are awaiting further details and, at this stage, it is too early to comment on how any future measures may be implemented in South Tyneside.”
Gateshead, Northumberland, Durham, and Sunderland councils were approached for comment.
