A blanket nationwide ban on the "blight" of car parking on pavements could be introduced.

But would it be relevant in Herefordshire? Do we have a pavement parking problem here?

If you have any recent pictures of drivers parking on pavements post them here using the blue button at the bottom of this report.

MPs on the transport committee criticised Government inaction in a new report, with witnesses telling the committee's inquiry that the worst case of pavement parking was effectively trapping disabled, elderly and vulnerable people and making them "afraid to leave their homes".

What is happening?

MPs on the committee have published The Pavement Parking report which has recommended a ban on pavement parking.

The Pavement Parking report said: "Pavement parking affects everyone who uses the pavement.

"Pavement parking puts pedestrians in danger when they are forced to move into the road to get around a vehicle or where there are trip hazards due to damage to the pavement.

"People with mobility or visual impairments, as well as those who care for others, are disproportionately affected.

"It exacerbates, and is a cause of, social isolation and loneliness for people who feel unable to safely leave their homes or are physically prevented from doing so by pavement parking."

The cross-party group said blocked off walkways were also exacerbating the issue of loneliness in Britain.

They have recommended that ministers ban pavement parking across England, and hand local councils the powers to crack down on what they dubbed "anti-social parking behaviour".

Where is the ban recommended for?

The Scottish Parliament is currently considering legislation that would ban pavement parking in Scotland, while pavement parking has been outlawed in London since the 1970s.

Westminster MPs said the UK Government should now follow suit and stamp out the practice across England.

What else has been said?

Lilian Greenwood MP, who chairs the transport committee, said: "We are deeply concerned that the Government has failed to act on this issue, despite long-standing promises to do so.

"This is a thorny problem that may be difficult to resolve to the satisfaction of all, but the Government's inaction has left communities blighted by unsightly and obstructive pavement parking and individuals afraid or unable to leave their homes or safely navigate the streets.

"In the long-term we believe the Government should ban pavement parking across England - as is already the case in London.

"Local authorities could create exemptions if they choose to do so, but drivers would know that unless it was expressly permitted it was illegal to park their car on the pavement," added the Labour politician.

It is actually going to happen?

The committee said it recognised a national ban would "take time", and recommended the Government run an "awareness campaign" about the "negative impacts" of pavement parking in the meantime.

But councils could get new powers to crack down on poor parking.

Councillor David Renard, transport spokesman for the Local Government Association, said: "Pavement parking and damaged pavements is one of the biggest complaints from pedestrians - and not just in London.

"Similarly, repairing kerbs and pavements damaged by pavement parking is expensive and this funding could be better used to repair potholes and provide more suitable parking.

"We urge Government to bring forward legislation to ban pavement parking, with councils able to create exemptions if they want to, and steps to facilitate a transition to a new law, at the earliest opportunity."

Community answers

Pavement parking in Herefordshire

"Post your photo of parking on footpaths"

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Trevor King

What is your response?Often have to walk in the road here

Your pictures

Hereford Times: Often have to walk in the road hereOften have to walk in the road here

From Andrew Morris

What is your response?on a residential street in Leominster

Your pictures

Hereford Times: on a residential street in Leominsteron a residential street in Leominster

From Robert Morris

What is your response?Stonebow road. Cars don't fit on these 'drives' at the best of times but with scaffolding taking up half the drive this driver seems to feel entitled to park fully across the pavement

Your pictures

Hereford Times: Stonebow road. Cars don't fit on these 'drives' at the best of times but with scaffolding taking up half the drive this driver seems to feel entitled to park fully across the pavementStonebow road. Cars don't fit on these 'drives' at the best of times but with scaffolding taking up half the drive this driver seems to feel entitled to park fully across the pavement

From Community contributor

What is your response?Inconsiderate parking. Very annoying.

Your pictures

Hereford Times: Inconsiderate parking. Very annoying.Inconsiderate parking. Very annoying.

From Community contributor

What is your response?Inconsiderate parking. Very annoying.

Your pictures

Hereford Times: Inconsiderate parking. Very annoying.Inconsiderate parking. Very annoying.

From Community contributor

What is your response?Inconsiderate parking. Very annoying.

Your pictures

Hereford Times: Inconsiderate parking. Very annoying.Inconsiderate parking. Very annoying.

From Community contributor

What is your response?Inconsiderate parking. Very annoying.

Your pictures

Hereford Times: Inconsiderate parking. Very annoying.Inconsiderate parking. Very annoying.

From Community contributor

What is your response?Today is a good day at this spot in Baysham Street. The gap is often much narrower. Many pedestrians use the road now to get along this street. I am…

Your pictures

Hereford Times: Today is a good day at this spot in Baysham Street. The gap is often much narrower. Many pedestrians use the road now to get along this street. I am…Today is a good day at this spot in Baysham Street. The gap is often much narrower. Many pedestrians use the road now to get along this street. I am…

From Community contributor

What is your response?Parked dangerously on a corner also preventing anybody walking by, never mind a wheelchair or pushchair

Your pictures

Hereford Times: Parked dangerously on a corner also preventing anybody walking by, never mind a wheelchair or pushchairParked dangerously on a corner also preventing anybody walking by, never mind a wheelchair or pushchair

From John McCloskey

What is your response?Many streets in the Victorian areas, St Nicholas and St James, are quite narrow, and if cars park with all wheels on the road then vans, buses, and lorries cannot get through. By putting 2 wheels up onto the kerb we are enabling traffic to pass along our narrow streets. Perhaps the answer is to make the footpaths slightly narrower, or to make buses and lorries narrower.

From Community contributor

What is your response?A ban on pavement parking definitely needs to happen, I have a mobility issue and have been forced to walk in the road by inconsiderate parking on pavements, Not only is this a dangerous practice it is arrogant and inconsiderate, Drivers need to learn that it’s called a Foot Path for a reason it’s for Pedestrians to walk on in safety it is not there for the selfish and arrogant to use as a private parking space.

From Community contributor

What is your response?Site of frequent offending.

Your pictures

Hereford Times: Site of frequent offending.Site of frequent offending.