Pavement parking

We have a responsibility to keep our roads and footpaths safe to use.

Illegally parked vehicles cost thousands of pounds a year in damaged paving, grass verges and cause serious problems for residents living with a disability.

Our pavements are provided for pedestrian use only, vehicles parked on pavements are:

• A hazard to pedestrians causing an obstruction which 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 - broken flags etc.

What action do we take against pavement parking?

If there are waiting restrictions (yellow lines) on the highway adjacent to the pavement then a parking penalty can be issued since a vehicle parked in this manner is in contravention of the traffic order. Waiting restrictions apply to the carriageway, pavement and verge.

If there are no waiting restrictions on the highway adjacent to the pavement, then we have no powers to take action and this should be taken up with the Police if it causes obstruction.