Devon’s highways chief, Councillor Stuart Hughes, has pledged to continue to pursue efforts for traffic wardens to be granted more powers to deal with obstructive parking.

Devon’s highways chief has expressed his disappointment at a decision to shelve a new law aimed at cracking down on pavement parking.

Councillor Stuart Hughes said the withdrawal of the Pavement Parking Bill by Parliament was a ‘missed opportunity’.

But he pledged to continue to pursue efforts for traffic wardens to be granted more powers to deal with obstructive parking.

Currently, only police officers have the authority to fine motorists who are obstructing roads or walkways.

The Bill would have extended those powers to local authority parking enforcement officers.

Cllr Hughes, Sidmouth’s Devon County Council (DCC) representative, said: “It’s extremely disappointing that this opportunity has been missed.

“Although this particular bill has been withdrawn, the discussions will continue.

“The issue is important - not only could the bill assist the visually impaired, but also the disabled and parents with young children.”

DCC received 41 complaints of parking on pavements in Devon in September, and 27 in October.