Blocked footpaths: an everyday barrier we shouldn’t ignore

By Debbie Ward, National Disability Leadership Coordinator, CCS Disability Action
Published 16 June 2026

Blocked footpaths are an everyday frustration for me and for many others across Aotearoa who have mobility or access needs. Whether I’m wheeling around my neighbourhood or heading into town, I almost always come across something in the way – a car parked across the pavement, rubbish bins left in the middle, or shrubs growing over from someone’s property. These barriers turn what should be a simple, safe walk into something stressful and sometimes dangerous.

Cars parked across footpaths are the worst offenders. While I can often nudge bins aside, a vehicle completely blocks access. That means I have to move onto the road to get around it – not an easy or safe option, especially on a busy street. Trade vehicles are often the culprits, particularly near schools or job sites. If someone is nearby, I sometimes make a point of showing my frustration so they’ll move, but most of the time there’s no one in sight and I’m left to find my own way around. Sometimes I have to turn back altogether if the only path forward feels unsafe.

It’s not just inconsiderate — it’s illegal

Many people don’t realise that parking on the footpath isn’t just bad manners – it’s against the law. The Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004, clause 6.14 clearly states that drivers must not park their vehicles on the footpath. Yet I see it happening constantly.

Yes, I can ring my local council to report it, and I sometimes do – especially if it’s a vehicle that blocks the footpath regularly. I even take photos of the obstacle and registration plate when needed. Living Streets Aotearoa provides a great guide on how to report footpath parking, and calling the council directly tends to get the quickest response.

Why access matters

Outside my home, near a local school, cars blocking the footpath are a regular sight. A car that often obstructed a former-colleague’s trip to the supermarket eventually got a ticket after repeated complaints. But the real issue isn’t the fines – it’s that some people still don’t stop to think about how their actions affect others.

When overgrown trees and garden hedges are added to the mix, along with rubbish and recycling bins, sometimes there’s simply no path left at all. For people with mobility aids, parents with prams, children on bikes, and older people, that means being forced onto the road. It’s not just inconvenient – it’s unsafe.

This is happening across Aotearoa

Through my work with CCS Disability Action, I’ve heard from people all over Aotearoa who face the same barriers every day. In Taranaki, for example, cars parked across footpaths are a constant problem. My colleague Saskia Zwanikken, a Service Coordinator there, told me she often hears from people whose wheelchairs can’t reach local shops or community spaces because vehicles block the way. She’s encouraging others to take photos when it’s safe to do so, so local councils can follow up – though by the time reports are made, the cars have often already moved.

In Whanganui, the issue came up during a recent Voice and Action community meeting. People who use guide dogs, canes, or wheelchairs spoke about how regularly their routes are obstructed by parked cars or overgrown fences. For many, it’s not just annoying – it’s a real safety risk and can mean avoiding certain areas altogether.

These stories show that blocked footpaths are not just a local frustration; they’re a widespread accessibility issue across Aotearoa. The message is clear: we need greater awareness, enforcement, and consideration to make our communities safe and welcoming for everyone.

What you can do

If you’re a non‑disabled person, please take a moment to think about how your everyday choices might affect others. Park fully on the road or in your driveway, not on the footpath. Move your bins promptly after collection. Trim overhanging shrubs and trees.

These might sound like small things, but they make a huge difference. You might not notice, but for someone like me, they can be the difference between an independent trip to the shops and one that ends in frustration – or danger.

We all share the same streets, and everyone deserves the dignity of getting where they need to go safely. Keeping footpaths clear is one of the simplest ways we can make our communities more accessible, inclusive, and respectful.