Pavement parking
The council has a responsibility to keep the roads and footpaths safe to use. Illegally parked vehicles cost the council thousands of pounds a year in damaged paving and damaged grass verges. It also causes serious problems for blind, disabled and older people, and people with prams and pushchairs.
What action may be taken against pavement parking?
If there are waiting restrictions (yellow lines) on the highway adjacent to the pavement then a Penalty Notice may be issued by a civil enforcement officer. This is because a vehicle parked in this manner is in contravention of the traffic order. Waiting restrictions cover the highway from centre of highway to the back of the footpath.
If there are no waiting restrictions on the highway then a Fixed Penalty Notice may be issued by a traffic warden or police officer for obstruction.
Why is pavement parking a problem?
Pavements are constructed and provided for pedestrian use.
Vehicles parked on pavements are:
- A hazard to pedestrians causing an obstruction. This may result in them having to step off the pavement onto the highway thus putting themselves in danger.
- A hazard by restricting the width of the pavement making it difficult for someone with a pushchair or wheelchair to pass safely. Again this person may have to step into the highway to avoid the obstruction.
- A hazard due to the damage caused by driving on and off the pavement.