Rule 218 of the Highway Code says: "Do not park partially or wholly on the pavement unless signs permit it".
- If there are any restrictions, e.g. yellow line, then you cannot park on the pavement.
- Where there are no other parking restrictions then a sign should say that you are not allowed to park on the pavement/grass verge.
- Within London it is banned everywhere unless there is a sign permitting parking on the pavement or grass verge.
Vehicles parked on pavements can create a hazard:
- To pedestrians by causing an obstruction that may result in them having to step off the pavement into the carriageway, thus putting themselves in danger.
- By restricting the width of the pavement and making it difficult for someone with a pushchair or wheelchair to pass safely - again this person may have to enter the carriageway to avoid the obstruction.
- Due to the damage caused by driving on and off the pavement - broken flags, potholes, etc.
Illegally parked vehicles cost the City Council thousands of pounds a year in damaged paving and damaged grass verges. It can also create serious problems for blind, disabled and older people.
For more detailed information visit The Department for Transport "Parking on pavements and alongside dropped kerbs"