Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Climate Change
Members will be aware that I reconvened the Wales Pavement Parking Taskforce last year and asked them to explore other ways of achieving our policy aims for pavement parking. The taskforce subsequently provided an addendum to its original report and I accepted its recommendation: Welsh Government response to the recommendations made in the Pavement Parking Task Force report
Following this work, the proposal was to consult widely, with a view to introducing the necessary legislation by the end of 2023.
However, I recognise that we are asking a lot of hard-pressed local authorities at what continues to be a difficult time. I have listened to the feedback from leaders and decided to delay the consultation on pavement parking until next year. This will enable local authorities to focus on the implementation and introduction of default 20mph speed limits in September 2023 and the work to prepare for bus franchising.
This is an incredibly busy period for local government. Councils across Wales continue to deliver vitally important services, which people rely on every day and we continue to support them to do so. We have worked closely with, and supported local authorities, through the tough times of austerity, through floods, through the pandemic, and through the cost-of-living crisis.
I want to put on record my thanks to all local government elected members and staff for the critical work that they do for communities, people, and businesses across Wales.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.