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 cause significant safety risks for pedestrians, especially wheelchair users, those with visual impairments, and parents with prams and pushchairs.

The bays are the latest action taken in the council’s multi-agency approach to this issue. Motions have been successfully passed at both Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Surrey County Council to demand dedicated motorcycle parking for all new retail and takeaway developments, a call for "round-tables" with delivery apps (like Uber Eats/Deliveroo), and to push for stronger enforcement of parking regulations.

The Epsom Business Improvement District (Go Epsom) is also working directly with restaurants and delivery riders to promote these dedicated bays as a faster, legal alternative to pavement hopping.

The local effort coincides with a major shift in national law. On January 8, 2026, the Department for Transport (DfT) finally 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 slow and expensive, the new secondary legislation allows councils to enforce against "unnecessary obstruction" with greater ease.

Councillor Steven McCormick, Chair of the Planning Committee, who also sits on Surrey County Council’s Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee, said:

“Pavements are for people, they are 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 of Transport. As soon as this national legislation is fully enacted, I will be pushing Surrey County Council to implement a new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) 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.”