Sign that allows drivers to park on pavement and avoid £130 fine

Daily Record

6 days ago

Parking on the pavement can cause a serious obstruction to pedestrians, especially wheelchair users, and drivers could face a fine of up to £130 or £100 in certain areas
Motorists could find themselves getting a £100 penalty for parking on the pavement in some parts of the UK. Although in certain situations it's completely lawful to park either wholly or partly on the pavement, this is only if there is an appropriate sign.
Despite the temptation to park your car partially or fully on the pavement, doing so might lead to fines. The rules are particularly stringent in London and Scotland; nevertheless, local authorities throughout the UK may enforce their own regulations and cautions, leading to variable fines linked to where you choose to leave your vehicle.
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Rule 244 of the Highway Code dictates: "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."
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Obstruction to members of the public
One major concern about parking on pavements is the potential obstruction it causes for those using the footpath. While there might be a belief that enough space has been left, the implications for wheelchair users must be considered — they usually need far more width than walkers.
The Highway Code adds: "Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs."
In London, drivers who park on the pavement could be hit with a fine of up to £130. This can be halved if the penalty is settled within the first 14 days after it's issued.
This rule falls under the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act, which prohibits parking on urban roads where the vehicle's wheel is on pavements, grass verges, or any land between carriageways.
In contrast, motorists in Scotland who violate this rule face a £100 fine, reduced to £50 if paid within a fortnight. It's worth noting that local councils across the nation may enforce their own regulations regarding pavement parking, particularly in inner-city areas.
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Given this, it's crucial to check for any signs indicating parking rules before leaving your car, as local authorities have the power to impose fines that could reach up to £130.
Signs that permit parking on the pavement
In certain circumstances, you might be allowed to park either partially or entirely on a verge or footway, but a sign permitting this must be visible. The blue and white sign will feature a 'P' symbol with a car either halfway or fully on a ledge, depending on the type of parking permitted.
These signs are typically found on particularly narrow streets where parked vehicles are less likely to obstruct pedestrians and other road users.