Your car could be towed away if you park here - but the rules are 'vague'
Drivers have been urged to be mindful of pedestrians when choosing where to park
Motorists have been warned to read up on local parking regulations or risk a fines or having your vehicle towed away. Drivers should be aware of the pavement parking restrictions in their area, as the rules differ depending on location. Parking on the pavement is normally prohibited in Scotland and London, but across other areas of the UK, regulations can vary significantly.
Steve Walker, digital editor at Auto Express, said: "The law around parking cars on the pavement isn't very clear and that's at the root of the problem. Authorities in London and Scotland have explicitly made it illegal to park a car on the pavement but the legalities are vague elsewhere.
"Individual councils are able to ban pavement parking with a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) but these are difficult to implement due to the requirement for consultations and the inevitable legal challenges." However, motorists must exercise caution, as the consequences for pavement parking can be harsh.
Mr Walker said: "Where pavement parking is prevented, the penalties mirror those for illegal parking generally and could range from fines to cars being towed away and impounded." The issue of pavement parking was recently discussed by MPs in Parliament.
Liberal Democrat MP Helen Maguire spearheaded the discussion, saying that local authorities should be granted the authority to determine the rules around pavement parking themselves. Mr Walker suggested that a complete prohibition on pavement parking might not be suitable.
He said: "Banning parking on all pavements would be hugely inconvenient for residents and businesses in many areas of the UK. People who live in houses without dedicated parking often rely on roadside parking space and there are plenty of streets in the UK where parking is only possible on both sides of the street because cars are partially parked on the pavement.
"A ban would dramatically reduce parking options for residents in some areas causing other knock-on issues." However, he recognised that pavement parking can create major problems for pedestrians, especially those with young children.
Mr Walker proposed that existing rules could be improved by having a comprehensive ban on the practice, while allowing councils the flexibility to grant exemptions where they consider it suitable.
What should motorists consider when looking for a parking space in a residential area?
When searching for somewhere to park in a built-up area, Mr Walker said you should always consider the needs of pedestrians. The expert said: "You must leave enough space for children in pushchairs, people in wheelchairs or partially sighted people to pass on the pavement easily and safely.
READ MORE: Neighbour kept parking on my driveway and it backfired in my revenge plot"This applies to residents parking their cars and delivery drivers or tradespeople who stop temporarily outside properties. Forcing pedestrians into the road to get past an inconsiderately parked vehicle is never acceptable."
He pointed out that the same rule applies when it comes to not parking your car so as to obstruct a road or driveway. Mr Walker said: "Badly parked cars can make it impossible for larger vehicles to turn corners in residential areas.
"A general awareness of where you're leaving your car and how it impacts others is the name of the game here."