KERB APPEAL
PARKING can be a stressful experience for drivers, especially when considering the many rules and fines related to where you can leave your car.
As more car owners hit the roads and streets become busier, the lack of space often results in drivers resorting to parking on the pavement - but is it legal?
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Is it illegal to park on the pavement?
Contrary to popular belief, outside of London, there is no law against parking on the pavement in England.
Rule 244 of the Highway Code says of parking in the UK's capital: "You must not park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it.
"Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs."
Outside of London, drivers are permitted to partially park on the pavement but it must not cause an obstruction.
As a general rule of thumb - if you do park on the pavement - you should allow enough space for people to still pass your car, or risk being reported for illegal parking.
Highway Code rule 242 states: "You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road."
Councils across the country have been trying to get areas to follow the lead of London on pavement parking, with many areas pushing for far stricter rules.
England, for example, has looked into how to crack down on pavement parking but has made no firm decisions on the actions it will take to address this.
In Wales, the Welsh Government has given the green light for local councils to crack down on pavement parking with them having the powers to fine drivers for doing so - though it is still not illegal.
Northern Ireland currently has no blanket ban on parking on pavements but tickets can be issued if you contravene the Highway Code, park on yellow lines or where signs prohibit parking.
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Scotland, meanwhile, is the first country in the UK to ban pavement parking.
The Transport (Scotland) Bill, which banned pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs, was passed in 2019 and came into full effect in December 2023.
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Is it illegal to park in loading bays?
Knowing where you can park can be confusing when there are delivery drivers using designated spots to offload or unload goods.
These spots are known as loading bays and are typically outlined in either yellow or white dotted lines stating "loading only".
When it comes to parking at loading bays, this is only allowed if there is a sign that states it can be used to do so.
Signs will also outline at what time parking is allowed.
If the loading bay has a sign stating "loading only", you may run the risk of a hefty fine if you leave your car there.
This fine can be as much as £130 in some areas but if paid within 14 days this amount can be reduced.
What is the fine for parking on the pavement?
If you get caught parking on the pavement in London you will face a hefty £70 fine.
You may, however, be able to get a discount of 50 per cent if you pay within 14 days.
If a Penalty Charge Notice was issued by the local council you should pay up unless you have grounds to appeal.
A Penalty Charge Notice means you've broken the law, but if you do have a compelling or very persuasive reason for appealing, the council can use its discretion to decide whether to cancel the notice.
Outside of London, police can penalise you if they feel your parking is dangerous or in any way causing an obstruction of the road.
This can lead to a fine and, in some cases, points on your license.
The fine for parking on the pavement in Scotland is up to £100.
Are the rules different in London?
Parking on pavements has been banned in London since the 1974 Greater London Council (General Powers) Act was introduced.
The act forbids motorists to park on urban roads in the capital with their car's wheels resting on footways, grass verges or land between carriageways.
There are exceptions to this rule in some areas, which will be clearly marked with special blue parking signs that show a car with one wheel on the kerb.
Other times, parking bays are drawn out with white lines extending onto footways to show that parking there is permitted.
