Politics & Council · Swindon
Swindon Councillors call for improved response to abandoned vehicle obstructions
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Concerns over dangerous vehicle obstructions on footpaths have sparked calls for a formalised protocol between Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Police.
A push is underway to overhaul how Swindon authorities deal with abandoned and obstructive vehicles following reports of residents being forced into the path of traffic. A motion brought to Full Council on 22 October 2026 highlights the ongoing frustrations of pedestrians who have found their way blocked by stationary cars.
The debate follows a specific incident in Clifton Street last September, where a damaged vehicle remained on a footpath for several days. Residents reported that the obstruction made the pavement impassable for those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and parents with pushchairs, effectively forcing them to walk in the road to bypass the hazard.
Labour Councillor Stanka Wilson, who submitted the motion, expressed concern that existing reporting mechanisms are failing to resolve these safety risks. The motion states that residents have frequently encountered a lack of clear ownership between Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Police, with some reports being closed because vehicles were deemed technically road legal despite blocking a public footway.
Councillor Nick Gardiner, the cabinet member for highways and transport, has previously apologised for the council's handling of the Clifton Street case and noted that the vehicle's removal was treated as a priority. However, the new motion seeks a more robust, long-term solution.
Proposed joint protocol
The proposed measures include a formal joint protocol between the Council and the Director of Operations at Wiltshire Police. If approved, this protocol would aim to establish:
Agreed response times for reports of obstructive vehicles.
Clear criteria for escalating issues that present an immediate danger.
A designated point of contact for complex cases to avoid inter-agency confusion.
Shared decision-making processes for vehicle removal when safety risks are identified.
The motion also calls for a review of current training for Highways officers to ensure they are better equipped to assess safety risks and identify obstructions, as well as providing residents with clearer information on the steps being taken to resolve their reports. This proposal would be brought before the Cabinet within the next 12 months.
The motion was deferred for further discussion at a committee stage, marking a significant step in the effort to ensure that Swindon footpaths remain accessible and safe for all users, particularly those with reduced mobility.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Politics · View original