Is It Against the Law to Park on the Pavement?

Table of Contents

Why Some Drivers Might Park on the Pavement

England (Outside London): When Is It Illegal?

London: Pavement Parking Is Prohibited

Scotland: Pavement Parking Banned Nationwide

Wales: Pavement Parking Rules on the Cusp of Change

Penalties & Fines: What You Could Pay

Obstruction: A Risk, Even Where Pavement Parking Is Allowed

Delivery & Trade Drivers: Are They Exempt?

Insurance Implications & Risks

Tips for Staying Safe and Fine-Free

The New Pavement Parking Bill: Possible Legal Changes Ahead

Parking on pavements is common across the UK, but many drivers don’t realise it can, in some places, be against the law to park on the pavement. It’s not unusual to be uncertain about pavement parking rules in the UK; the answer depends on where you are, who is enforcing the rules, and how much obstruction you could potentially cause. In this guide, we break down exactly when pavement parking is illegal, the fines you may face, and how to avoid penalties. The rules we cover around pavement parking are based on the law as it currently stands. However, a new bill is currently in process which will make parking on pavements a law for all of England, Wales and Scotland. This would give councils across England and Wales more power to fine drivers who park on pavements. You can read more about these potential updates further on in this article.

Why Some Drivers Might Park on the Pavement

It’s worth starting with why pavement parking happens:

• Streets can be narrow, making it difficult to park entirely on the road without obstructing traffic.
• Drivers may believe mounting the pavement is considerate, leaving more space for passing vehicles.
• Some local roads are poorly designed or were built before modern traffic volumes.

But parking on pavements can lead to real harm:

• Pedestrians (especially those with pushchairs, wheelchairs, or visual impairments) may be forced into the road or unable to continue with their journey.
• Damage to paving, utilities or kerbs can occur.
• Obstruction to emergency access or maintenance works is possible and can be dangerous.

An article in the Liverpool Echo article highlights local confusion over whether pavement parking is permitted in certain streets — a reminder that the laws and enforcement vary.

England (Outside London): When Is It Illegal?

In England (excluding London), there is currently no blanket national law that makes pavement parking illegal. That means in many places, you could legally park with wheels partially on the kerb, but only under certain conditions. The guiding principle is found in Highway Code Rule 244, which states: “You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London or Scotland. Exceptions are allowed in limited circumstances. You should not park partially or wholly on the pavement elsewhere unless signs permit it…” Here’s the key distinction:

• In London, “must not” is backed by legislation.
• Elsewhere in England, “should not” is advisory, meaning it’s guidance rather than a law you automatically break.

However, just because there’s no blanket rule doesn’t mean you’re free from fines. You could be penalised if:

• You obstruct pedestrians (e.g. block a wheelchair route or a crossing for those with visual impairments).
• Your parking is dangerous or causes visibility issues.
• There are local restrictions or signs prohibiting pavement parking (enforced by the council).

In such cases, Councils are free to enforce fines for drivers parked on pavements, providing there are signs pointing out these restrictions.

London: Pavement Parking Is Prohibited

In London, the rules are far stricter. Under the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1974, pavement parking is illegal unless explicitly permitted. As of late 2025, this could potentially be updated to the ‘Pavement Parking Bill’; if passed, this could have wider ramifications on pavement parking laws in the UK. According to Highway Code Rule 244 (as indicated above): “You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London …” If you breach this rule, you could receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Typical fines reach £160, though they may be reduced for early payment in many boroughs. There are special designated zones, marked by signs, where footway parking is allowed, but only under strict markings and rules.

Scotland: Pavement Parking Banned Nationwide

Scotland introduced one of the clearest reforms in recent years. As of 11 December 2023, parking on pavements is illegal across the country under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019. The Act prohibits:

• Pavement parking
• Double parking
• Parking at dropped kerbs

Local authorities may enforce the ban and issue £100 fines (often reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days). There are some exceptions (e.g. genuine emergences, emergency vehicle use, road works, waste collection, postal services, etc.); a breakdown of this legislation can be found here. Councils must adopt the enforcement rules locally and may designate exemptions in certain areas.

Wales: Pavement Parking Rules on the Cusp of Change

Wales is preparing its own update on pavement parking, but as of 2025, there is no nationwide legal ban. Some Welsh councils already issue fines under obstruction or traffic regulations. These fines vary, but they could be up to £130 for an infringement. The Welsh Government’s consultations have suggested a move towards tighter controls, but no firm date has been confirmed. Pressure is still being brought, by charities such as Guide Dogs UK, for Wales to follow London and Scotland in issuing an outright ban on pavement parking. As the law stands:

• Local authorities may act under existing traffic or obstruction powers.
• National changes may be introduced in the future.

Are There Exceptions to the Rules? Yes, there are some exemptions, but only in limited, well-defined situations. For example:

• Designated footway parking bays with signage and road markings (especially common in London).
• Loading/unloading, if necessary and brief.
• Road works or emergencies, with the proper authority backing.
• Local exemptions authorised specifically by councils.

Even when exceptions apply, your parking must not obstruct pedestrian movement or conflict with safety rules.

Penalties & Fines: What You Could Pay

Here’s a summary of common penalties by region:

Note: fines or penalties depend heavily on local enforcement policies and severity of obstruction.

Obstruction: A Risk, Even Where Pavement Parking Is Allowed

Even in areas where pavement parking isn’t outright banned, obstructing the pavement can still lead to fines. For example:

• Preventing wheelchair users or prams passing safely
• Compromising visibility at junctions
• Blocking access to dropped kerbs

Under Highway Code Rule 242, you must not leave your vehicle in a dangerous position or unnecessary obstruction. Police (or civil enforcement officers) may intervene if they deem your parking to be unsafe or obstructive, regardless of whether pavement parking is generally permitted in your area.

Delivery & Trade Drivers: Are They Exempt?

Some drivers (e.g. couriers, tradespeople) may need to mount pavements briefly to deliver or load. The rules allow short-term loading/unloading, but:

• It must be continuous and brief
• It must not cause obstruction

If a civil enforcement officer believes your vehicle is causing a hazard or blocking pedestrian movement, you can still be fined (even if you’re actively delivering).

Insurance Implications & Risks

While parking on pavements isn’t necessarily a motoring offence (in many areas of the UK), it can carry implications for your insurance:

• Damage costs: If your vehicle damages kerbs, paving slabs, or public assets, you could be liable.
• Higher risk perception: Insurers may see pavement parking as riskier (e.g. exposure to scrapes or vandalism).
• Claim disputes: In some cases, insurers may scrutinise how and where your vehicle was parked when a claim is made.

For more on how your vehicle’s use affects cover, see our Acorn Insurance guide to insurance classes of use.

Tips for Staying Safe and Fine-Free

Here are practical steps to avoid fines and stay within the law:

1. Look for signs: If footway parking is allowed, it will be clearly signed.
2. Leave clearance:  Try to leave at least around 1.5 metres of clear pavement space for pedestrians where possible: a guideline based on government accessibility standards, not a legal requirement.
3. Avoid narrow pavements: Park wholly on the road if practical, and not on double yellow lines or other restricted roads.
4. Use legal bays: Designated parking areas or lay-bys are safer.
5. Check local rules: Councils may adopt area-specific bans or exemptions.
6. Don’t assume delivery rights: Always avoid obstruction even when unloading.
7. Stay updated: Laws could change, especially in England and Wales; In fact, a newly proposed bill has recently been suggested in UK parliament, as explained further in the section below.

The New Pavement Parking Bill: Possible Legal Changes Ahead

In 2025, a new Pavement Parking Bill had its first reading in the House of Commons, proposing to give councils across England and Wales greater powers to fine drivers who park on pavements or grass verges. The Bill, introduced by MP Marsha De Cordova, aims to extend restrictions already in place in London and Scotland, allowing local authorities to treat pavement parking as a civil offence and issue penalties without relying on police obstruction laws. However, the Bill has not yet passed into law and must progress through several more parliamentary stages before any changes take effect.

Summary: So, Is Pavement Parking Illegal?

• In London, it is illegal in almost all cases — fines up to £160.
• In Scotland, it’s banned nationwide since 2023 — fines up to £100 (reduced if paid quickly).
• In England (outside London), it’s not automatically illegal but fines of up to £130 may apply if you obstruct or local rules ban it.
• In Wales, there is no national ban yet; enforcement varies. Fines can go up to £130.

Even where pavement parking is allowed, obstruction remains a risk. Parking responsibly helps protect pedestrians and avoid potential fines.