EFFORTS to curb the amount of drivers parking on pavements in Cheshire East should be increased, according to a Congleton ward councillor.

Cheshire East Council cycling and walking champion Cllr Suzie Akers Smith has told the LDRS that the council is 'committed to banning pavement parking'.

The independent representative added: "People parking on pavements affects everybody but especially the most vulnerable people in society, those using mobility scooters, blind or partially sighted, children and the elderly, parents with pushchairs.

"They should be our priority and a ban on pavement parking demonstrates this."

Cllr Akers Smith tweeted on Tuesday: "Just out getting my steps up to be confronted with pavement parking in the first 200m please please please air your views to the consultation to ban it.

"Having to navigate around cars is so depressing. Please let's do something about it."

However, Cllr Akers Smith also admitted that much of the strength of CEC's proposals will depend on the results of an ongoing government consultation, where it could be the case that watered-down plans are CEC's only option if the government opts to avoid an England-wide ban.

Despite this, Cllr Akers Smith believes a range of measures could be implemented to reduce double-parking, such as automatic fines, altering the driving education programme, and encouraging more commuting by public transport or by bicycle.

In recent weeks, Cheshire East's active travel plans have come under intense scrutiny, with a scheme in Knutsford being dropped from the plans, and only a limited version of Wilmslow's measures being implemented.

The experimental measures are set to run for six months, and will face a mid-term review, with further consultation from residents being invited.