Pavement parking, the bane of the lives of many parents and wheelchair users, could be banned as it continues to blight communities nationwide.
MPs are demanding a blanket ban to halt the problem of vehicles parked on pavements, blocking access for prams and wheelchairs.
The transport committee criticised government inaction in a report, with witnesses describing the worst case of pavement parking effectively trapping disabled, elderly and vulnerable people and making them "afraid to leave their homes".
It calls for a ban pavement parking across England, and to give local councils the power to crack down on what they dubbed "anti-social parking behaviour".
The Scottish Parliament is currently considering legislation that would ban pavement parking there, while pavement parking has been outlawed in London since the 1970s.
Lilian Greenwood MP, who chairs the transport committee, said: "We are deeply concerned that the government has failed to act on this issue, despite long-standing promises to do so.
"This is a thorny problem that may be difficult to resolve to the satisfaction of all, but the government's inaction has left communities blighted by unsightly and obstructive pavement parking and individuals afraid or unable to leave their homes or safely navigate the streets.
"In the long-term we believe the government should ban pavement parking across England - as is already the case in London."
Exemptions could be created by local authorities, she added, but drivers would know it was illegal to park their cars on pavements unless it was expressly permitted.
The Pavement Parking report, published today, said: "Pavement parking affects everyone who uses the pavement.
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"Pavement parking puts pedestrians in danger when they are forced to move into the road to get around a vehicle or where there are trip hazards due to damage to the pavement.
"People with mobility or visual impairments, as well as those who care for others, are disproportionately affected.
"It exacerbates, and is a cause of, social isolation and loneliness for people who feel unable to safely leave their homes or are physically prevented from doing so by pavement parking."
Councillor David Renard, transport spokesman for the Local Government Association (LGA), said councils would welcome new powers.
"Pavement parking and damaged pavements is one of the biggest complaints from pedestrians - and not just in London," he said.
"Similarly, repairing kerbs and pavements damaged by pavement parking is expensive and this funding could be better used to repair potholes and provide more suitable parking."
The LGA urged the government to bring forward legislation to ban pavement parking.
The government first promised to look at the issue four years ago.
During its five-month inquiry, the committee received more than 400 written submissions and questioned interest groups, charities and ministers, including then roads minister Michael Ellis MP, the Alliance of British Drivers, and Guide Dogs.
A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: "We are committed to ensuring that our roads work for everyone, but we are also aware that pavement parking can cause real problems for a variety of road users.
"The department recently concluded a review to better understand the case for changing the law, and ministers will be considering our next steps over the coming months."
