MPs have backed moves to stop drivers parking on the pavement.

Conservatives Simon Kirby and Mike Weatherley Green MP Caroline Lucas have spoken out as a new bill goes through parliament aimed at outlawing the practice.

The Private Members’ Bill is in line to make its way through the House of Commons having been given its second reading on Friday (Sep 12).

Elm Grove in Brighton was one area at the centre of a pavement parking clampdown at the end of last year, where enforcement officers made 500 site visits in two months and issued 563 penalty charges.

In June this year, Kingsway, near the King Alfred Leisure Centre, and a section of Nevill Road in Hove were also part of a clampdown.

The Pavement Parking Bill 2014-15 aims to “clarify, strengthen and simplify the law relating to parking on pavements in England and Wales”.

The bill, which was brought by Martin Horwood, a Lib Dem MP for Cheltenham, could mean pavement parking becomes an offence. Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: “It’s really important for many people that pavements are as safe and simple to navigate as possible.

“Everyone’s best interests need to be considered – those who are visually impaired, for example, need to have clear walkways.”

Mike Weatherley, Conservative MP for Hove, said: “Clearly unauthorised parking on pavements, particularly in built up areas, is unacceptable.

“Similarly, parking on grass verges more often than not ruins what once was a pleasant part of a street.”

Simon Kirby Conservative MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven, felt the decision should remain with local councils and said they had powers to prevent parking on the pavement.

He said: “I believe local authorities are in the best position to decide where and whether pavement parking should or should not be permitted.

“The Government has made it easier for councils to tackle pavement parking and gave them authorisation to use a sign banning parking on the pavement without first asking Whitehall. In some streets, pavement parking may in practice be inevitable to maintain free passage of traffic.

“For that reason, the Government does not wish to impose a blanket ban.

“However, I am happy to press the appropriate local authority on the issue if there are particular hot spots and problem areas.”