Epsom & Ewell Borough Council have established new moped-only parking spaces outside the Town Hall in a bid to combat pavement parking on Epsom High Street.
The issue of delivery riders mounting kerbs outside fast-food restaurants has been a cause of significant concern for residents and visitors in recent years. Vehicles blocking pavements create serious safety risks for pedestrians, particularly wheelchair users, those with visual impairments, and parents with prams and pushchairs.
The bays are the latest measure in the council’s multi-agency approach to the problem. Motions have been successfully passed at both Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Surrey County Council calling for dedicated motorcycle parking at all new retail and takeaway developments, the introduction of “round-table” discussions with delivery apps such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo, and stronger enforcement of parking regulations.
The Epsom Business Improvement District (Go Epsom) is also working directly with restaurants and delivery riders to promote the use of these dedicated bays as a faster and legal alternative to pavement parking.
The local initiative coincides with a significant national policy shift. On 8 January 2026, the Department for Transport responded to a long-awaited consultation, announcing new powers for local authorities to tackle pavement parking more effectively.
Unlike the previous street-by-street approach, which was often slow and costly to implement, the new secondary legislation will allow councils to enforce against “unnecessary obstruction” more easily.
Councillor Steven McCormick, (RA Woodcote and Langley) Chair of the Planning Committee and a member of Surrey County Council’s Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee, said:
“Pavements are for people, not for motorised shortcuts. We’ve heard from residents who have been forced into the road because the footway is entirely blocked. We are committed to making the High Street safe for everyone. The new moped bays that Epsom & Ewell have provided will mean there is no longer any excuse for this unacceptable and inconsiderate parking.”
“I also welcome the announcement of new powers from the Department for Transport. As soon as this national legislation is fully enacted, I will be pushing Surrey County Council to implement a new Traffic Regulation Order specifically designed to curb pavement parking across the borough.
“This TRO will provide the ‘teeth’ that enforcement officers have lacked, allowing them to issue civil penalties.”
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Related reports:
Problem Pavement Parking Powers Promised
Pavement Parking: Epsom & Ewell MP Speaks Out