Campaigning in Wales
We campaign to make our streets safer and more welcoming for everyone in Wales.
Our action on pavement parking has seen progress made in Wales to put an end to this dangerous act and our campaigning on slower speeds saw Wales make history by becoming the first UK nation to set a 20mph default speed limit.
You can read more about those campaigns below. Check out our UK-wide campaigns here.
Imagine an end to pavement parking in Wales. Well, we’re almost there!
Welsh Government has proposed changes that will allow local authorities to enforce against pavement parking where it is causing an unnecessary obstruction to people on the pavement.
This is a positive step as it will allow local authorities to act without having to implement traffic regulation orders.
Currently this power is held by the police - who don't enforce against parking on the pavement. Guidelines will be issued to local authorities setting out exactly what this means.
Living Streets Cymru and its allies are working with Welsh Government officials on the roll out plans.
What’s next?
Update summer 2023: The Welsh government's proposal isn't the outright ban we were calling for, but it's a positive step forward because it promises to make it easier for councils to act against the worst offenders. We are part of the Pavement Parking Taskforce, set up by Welsh Government, who have been advising on this issue.
New powers will need to extend to the carriageway as well as the footway to make the change happen. This is slightly more than originally envisaged (additional powers over the carriageway) and will require additional public consultation, which we expect in early 2024. However, this option means the Welsh Government can push ahead without needing involvement from Westminster.
New guidance for local authorities is currently being drawn up which will also help to ensure a consistent approach is taken across Wales. We hope that following a positive consultation, we could see changes being rolled out soon.
We asked people in Wales how pavement parking affects them - and the numbers are emphatic
83%
Pavement parking is a common, large or very large problem.
80%
have little or no confidence in their local authority's ability to deal with the problem.
83%
support a pavement parking ban.
Wales is the first UK nation to set a default speed limit of 20mph in residential areas. The new legislation came into effect in September 2023 and meant that roads that previously operated as 30mph areas reduced to 20mph.
Someone hit at 30mph is nearly five times more likely to die than if they are struck at 20mph. This landmark legislation made streets where people live, work and go to school safer.
We were part of the original task force to advise the Welsh government on proposals. We supported school and communities in the trials, provided evidence to decision-makers, and worked with Senedd members to support the change to 20mph.
It's a victory that is also thanks in no small part to the support Living Streets and our allies have received from thousands of campaigners, pedestrians and road users across Wales.
