Whether you can park on the pavement varies depending on where you are - each country in the UK has its own rules, and in England, there are different laws for London and everywhere else.
Brief breakdown of pavement parking regulations across the UK:
- England: No firm decisions on nationwide pavement parking crackdown; currently banned only in London.
- Scotland: The first UK country to ban pavement parking, with a nationwide ban expected in 2023.
- Wales: Local councils empowered to fine pavement parkers as per the Welsh Government's approval.
- Northern Ireland: No blanket ban, but tickets can be issued for Highway Code violations, parking on yellow lines, or where signs prohibit parking.
What is the rule about parking on pavements in London?
Since the 1974 Greater London Council (General Powers) Act, parking on pavements in London has been prohibited. The act explicitly disallows parking on urban roads in the capital with car wheels on footways, grass verges, or the land between carriageways.
It is outlined in rule 244 of the Highway Code: “MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London”
The rule restricts pavement parking in the capital, emphasising the potential inconvenience to pedestrians, wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, and those with prams.
Exceptions exist in designated areas, identifiable by special blue parking signs featuring a car with one wheel on the kerb. In permitted zones, parking bays are outlined by white lines extending onto footways. The law, however, safeguards specific situations like unloading goods, responding to a fire, or saving a life in areas where parking is generally disallowed.
Violating these regulations can result in fines.
How much can you be fined for parking on the pavement in London?
In London, parking on the pavement could result in a substantial £70 fine. Paying within 14 days might grant you a 50% discount on the penalty charge.
Should payment not be made within 28 days, the fine escalates to £105, and the issue may progress to the point of a court order.
If your local council issues a Penalty Charge Notice, it's advisable to pay unless you have grounds for appeal. Paying within 14 days usually qualifies you for a half-price discount. While the notice implies a legal violation, a compelling appeal may lead the council to use discretion in canceling it.
Outside of London, the police can't fine you for simply parking on the pavement but they can penalise you for parking deemed dangerous or obstructive. This may result in a fine and, in some instances, points on your license, with the fine typically aligning with the £70 seen in the capital.
Can you park on the pavement in England (outside of London)?
Legally, outside the capital, you can park on the pavement as long as it doesn't violate other driving laws.
Rule 242 of the Highway Code states: "You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road." Under this rule, police can penalise you for dangerous or obstructive parking, even if pavement parking is allowed.
Can you park on the pavement in Scotland?
In 2019, Scotland became the inaugural UK country to prohibit pavement parking by passing the Transport (Scotland) Bill. The nationwide ban is anticipated to take full effect in 2023.
Can you park on the pavement in Wales?
In Wales, the Welsh Government has authorised local councils to take action against pavement parking, granting them the authority to impose fines on drivers engaging in this behaviour.
Can you park on the pavement in Northern Ireland?
Currently, in Northern Ireland, there is no comprehensive prohibition on pavement parking. However, tickets may be issued if you violate the Highway Code, park on yellow lines, or disregard parking restrictions indicated by signs.
