Is it illegal to park on the pavement?

Parking on the pavement is commonly seen around the UK, but the rules controlling it aren’t as clear as most other parking rules. It’s pretty obvious that parking on double-yellow lines isn’t allowed, but parking on the pavement is sometimes allowed and sometimes it’s not - so how does it work?

If you’re in London, then the rules are nice and clear: you must not park on the pavement at all, whether your car is partially or fully on the path. The Highway Code makes that clear, and you could be fined up to £130 for doing so.

The confusion comes outside of the capital, because the Highway Code states that you should not do it. This means it’s not specifically illegal to do so, but it could still land you with a fine if you do it in the wrong place. Some streets have signs that explicitly permit parking on the pavement there, which is the only place you can be confident you are not breaking the law by pavement parking.

What is pavement parking?

Putting any of the wheels of your vehicle onto the pavement – the path for pedestrians at the side of the road – is pavement parking. If you do so even slightly, whether it’s one wheel or all four, in a place where it’s not allowed, then you could receive a fine from a parking attendant.

It’s not allowed because it blocks the path for pedestrians, especially those with children and those with disabilities. It’s selfish and doing it in a place where it’s not allowed can be dangerous to vulnerable people, who might be forced onto the road to proceed.

Is it illegal to park on the pavement?

In London, yes, it’s illegal to park on the pavement. Outside the capital, the rules aren’t as clear, but if your parking is dangerous or obstructs the way for other road users – including pedestrians – then it is also illegal. There aren’t that many pavements where parking with the car fully on the path would not cause an obstruction, so you can rule that out in most places.

However, putting one or two wheels up on the kerb may be fine, depending on the width of the pavement. You should always consider other road users when driving and parking, so think about whether your car might be in the way of anyone else at any point. If so, you could be fined by the police, or your car could be towed away.

If there are signs that explicitly permit pavement parking, or bays painted onto the tarmac, you can be sure you’re allowed to park there legally.

The previous UK government suggested that pavement parking might be made illegal across the country, rather than only in London, but this proposal has stalled and it’s not known if it will go ahead.

What are the penalties for pavement parking?

You could be fined up to £130 or have your car towed away (resulting in more fees for collection) if you park illegally, including on the pavement in London or any other areas where it’s deemed to be illegal.

Want the latest car news in your inbox? Sign up to the free Auto Express email newsletter...