UK government weighing sweeping parking restrictions to push sustainable transport

The government is weighing sweeping restrictions on parking spaces as part of a push to promote sustainable transport, according to documents seen by the Daily Mail. The plans would require councils to limit the number of parking spaces on new housing developments in an effort to steer residents toward public transit, cycling and other low-emission options. While officials portray the move as a way to modernize planning and reduce car dependence, critics warn it could worsen parking shortages and lead to unintended consequences for motorists.

The documents, part of the government’s National Planning Policy Framework update, indicate a shift toward a more prescriptive approach to parking standards. The policy would not simply suggest limits but make them a requirement where they support sustainable transport, higher development densities in accessible locations, or better manage local road networks. It also outlines provisions for incorporating facilities that prioritise sustainable travel and explicitly references meeting the needs of older people, children and people with disabilities.

Under the proposed reforms, councils would be required to set maximum parking standards for new developments, erasing the previous burden of proving a justification for limits. The goal, according to the plan, is to better accommodate active travel while continuing to support housing growth. A consultation on the reforms is open until spring next year.

Political reaction has been swift. Labour argues the overhaul could help the party meet its target of delivering 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament, framing the policy as part of a broader effort to reform housing supply and transport. Supporters say clearer parking rules would help optimise densities and reduce car use in congested towns and cities.

Historically, England’s parking policy has swung between permissive and restrictive approaches. In 2011, a coalition-era reform scrapped council-imposed limits on parking spaces for new developments because they were seen as unfair to car users. Four years later, rules were tightened again, allowing limits only when a local authority could show a clear and compelling reason. The new plan would roll back that justification requirement entirely in many cases, a change that opponents say could empower councils to raise revenue through parking charges and enforcement rather than address real demand. Campaigners warn that reduced off-street parking could push motorists into dangerous or illegal spots, especially in towns with limited parking and slow local transport options.