Motorists are being urged to prepare for changes to parking laws that could result in a £100 fine and a towed vehicle. Car Insurance experts have warned motorists that a law could soon be introduced making it illegal to park on the pavement.
Councils across England are calling for the government to give them the power to ban pavement parking.
They are currently waiting for the results of a government consultation that will allow them to introduce pavement restrictions and hand out fines to offenders. Wales are also looking into similar limits.
The Local Government Association (LGA), representing councils in England and Wales, says the pavement parking ban will save lives and make the streets safer.
It is hoped the change in law will make the streets safer for everyone, particularly those with mobility issues, visual impairments and parents pushing prams and buggies.
The ban should also help councils meet national targets to encourage more walking and cycling, which will reduce emissions and help to meet climate change targets.
Parking on the pavement in Scotland under The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 is already illegal.
Local authorities began enforcing the law in December 2023, and drivers can now be fined £100 if caught out.
Parking on pavements has been outlawed in London since 1974, and councils there have the power to fine drivers up to £130 if caught doing so.
According to the London Council website, vehicles parked on pavements could be towed away, even if only one or two wheels are on the footway.
If enforced across the rest of England and Wales, the blanket ban would give councils the same power to crack down on drivers with similar penalties.
Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said, “Drivers in England and Wales must be aware of the possible changes to parking laws, which could give councils the power to fine them and even seize their vehicles.
“The rule has been in place in London for years, but now Scotland has also enforced the ban, it is more than likely that government consultations in the rest of England and Wales will follow suit.
“It would make parking on a path, double parking, parking at a crossing point, or parking on a verge between roads and pavements illegal.
“The crackdown on pavement parking could see drivers fined £130 and their vehicles towed away in worst-case scenarios.
“Until now, the Highway Code rules around pavement parking have been vague. It states drivers ‘should not’ park partially or wholly on the pavement unless signs permit it. However, the rule stating drivers ‘must not’ leave their vehicle in a dangerous position means if drivers are seen to be putting other road users at risk, they could be susceptible to a fixed penalty notice.
“Parking on pavements may seem convenient, but it can obstruct the road, which is dangerous for the elderly and vulnerable, restricts emergency services and could lead to accidents and fatalities.
“With changes to the law likely imminent, drivers should err on the side of caution and avoid parking on pavements at all costs—to help increase safety for all road users and avoid potential fines.”
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