At present, it’s only illegal to park on pavements in London, with those caught being hit with a £75 fine.

But with the problem escalating in Brighton & Hove, and the number of complaints rising, the council has thrown its weight behind the plans to force the Government into action.

The all-party Commons Transport Committee has called on the Government to ban pavement parking across the UK saying it’s “deeply concerned about the Government’s failure to act”.

The committee has produced a damning report which includes written evidence from the council on the problems Brighton and Hove faces. The report states that some drivers may get confused about the different rules and regulations.

Paul Nicholls, the council’s parking strategy and contract manager, said: “Pavement parking has been a long-running issue in which we have been unable to resolve.”

Mr Nicholls added: “If we’re given the powers to take enforcement action against pavement parking, we can make the rules and restrictions clear for everyone to ensure pavements aren’t blocked and pedestrians are safe.”

Ian Taylor, from the Alliance of British Drivers (ABD), states in the report that the majority of his members are aware of the rules but “as regards practice, and what people think they can get away with...people tend to do it.”

Cllr Anne Pissaridou, chairwoman of the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “Banning drivers from parking on our pavements is something that’s very long overdue.

“People who park on our footpaths have absolutely no regard or respect for anyone but themselves. They think nothing of blocking the pavement which makes it both hazardous and dangerous for pedestrians, but especially for people who are visually impaired, wheelchair users, people with children’s buggies and those in disabled mobility scooters.”

A 2017 YouGov survey, commissioned by charity Guide Dogs UK, found 55 per cent of drivers had considered the impact of pavement parking on people with visual impairments but did it regardless.

The London ban has been in place since 1974, but consecutive governments have failed to give local authorities the powers in any other part of the country – including Brighton & Hove.

Cllr Pissaridou added: “There is nothing we can do about it.”

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