Is parking on the pavement illegal?

Parking on the pavement is more than an inconvenience—it’s a safety hazard, especially if you’re navigating a pram or using a wheelchair. 

Parked cars on pedestrian walkways force people onto the road, risk accidents, and can generally cause chaos. 

But what exactly are the rules when it comes to parking on the pavement—is it illegal? 

Here, we examine why pavement parking matters, its legal implications, and practical solutions that benefit pedestrians and drivers. 

Is it illegal to park on the pavement? 

For the majority of the country, it is not illegal to park on the pavement, but if you’re in London and Scotland, it is. 

However, in some instances, parking on the pavement outside of these areas can still result in a hefty fine. 

Since 1974, the Highway Code has stated that you MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London. Under the same rule, 244, you should not park on the pavement elsewhere unless there is a sign allowing you to.

Highway Code rule 242 gets a little muddled. It states that you MUST NOT leave your vehicle in a dangerous position or where it causes obstruction of the road. 

The use of the phrase, must not, indicates that you can receive a Fixed Penalty Notice if your car is parked dangerously on the pavement and either someone reports it or is seen by a police officer. 

Why are there rules regarding parking on the pavement? 

While there isn’t currently a parking on the pavement law, there are rules that we must abide by, and these rules ensure the safety and happiness of both drivers and pedestrians. 

There are arguments for and against parking on the pavement, such as leaving room for emergency vehicles to pass or not having enough space for pedestrians to walk safely. 

Both arguments are valid. 

That’s why there are rules regarding parking on the pavement, as opposed to laws which are typically black and white.

When is it ok to park on the pavement?

It’s okay to park on the pavement when signs or road markings explicitly permit it. 

In some areas, councils may allow pavement parking to help ease congestion in narrow streets or manage heavy traffic flow. 

Drivers are responsible for ensuring that paths are not entirely blocked and that there is enough space for pedestrians to pass safely. 

Am I ok to park on the pavement outside my house? 

While parking on the pavement outside of your home might serve your convenience, it’s not always legal. 

You must check local restrictions or signage. 

Even if there are no explicit restrictions, parking that obstructs pavement or creates a safety risk can result in penalties. 

Before you park on the pavement outside of your house, you must consider the impact on your neighbours and pedestrians. 

Can we stop cars from parking on the pavement?

Parking on the pavement outside of London and Scotland is not strictly illegal, but it can sometimes be a hassle. 

If you want to stop cars parking on the pavements near you, you’ll need a mix of enforcement and education. 

Local councils can issue Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to prohibit pavement parking in problematic areas. 

You can report instances of dangerous or obstructive pavement parking to your local council or law enforcement. 

However, preventative measures can be limited when they obstruct other vehicles’ access. This is why councils must assess pavement parking on a street-by-street basis. 

Why is pavement parking regulated? 

Pavement parking is regulated to protect pedestrians. Without regulations, vehicles can obstruct pathways, endangering people and damaging pavements that aren’t designed to support their weight. 

Regulations for pavement parking help to promote fair and safe use of shared spaces. 

Parking on pavement law set to change? 

Yes, changes to pavement parking laws are being considered in the UK. In 2020, the UK government carried out a consultation on nationwide parking restrictions for pavement parking. 

This means that clearer regulations and an extension of the ban on pavement parking beyond London and Scotland could be implemented. 

However, as of now, no nationwide law has been implemented. 

Keep up to date with government updates to see if there are any further developments. 

Is parking on the pavement illegal? It’s not currently illegal in most of the UK, but it’s important to keep up with the rules, as they could soon change.