Motorists warned not to park on pavements as calls grow for tougher nationwide rules

Drivers have been urged to avoid parking on pavements as warmer weather sees more people travelling to visit friends, family and popular attractions.

The warning comes after new research found that more than two-thirds of Britons support a nationwide ban on pavement parking.

A survey of 1,000 UK adults by insurance comparison site Tiger.co.uk found that 68 per cent want the ban extended across the whole country, amid growing concerns over pedestrian safety.

The findings also revealed widespread confusion over the current rules, with one in five people unaware that pavement parking is already illegal in both London and Scotland.

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In London, parking on the pavement has been banned since 1974 under the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act. Drivers who break the rules can be fined up to £130.

Scotland introduced its own nationwide ban in 2019, with offenders facing fines of up to £100.

Despite these long-standing laws, many motorists remain unsure about where pavement parking is allowed, raising concerns that drivers could be putting pedestrians at risk without realising it.

Cars parked on pavements can block access for wheelchair users, people with sight loss and parents pushing prams, often forcing them into the road to get past.

The practice can also make it harder for emergency vehicles to reach incidents.

Research from the Department for Transport showed the scale of the problem.

It found 95 per cent of visually impaired people had experienced difficulties caused by pavement parking over the previous year. Among wheelchair users, this figure rose to 98 per cent.

The study also found that 32 per cent of people with sight loss were less willing to travel independently because of vehicles blocking pavements. Almost half of wheelchair users said the same.

Outside London and Scotland, the rules remain less clear. The Highway Code advises drivers not to park on pavements unless signs specifically allow it, but this is only guidance and cannot be enforced.

However, Rule 242 of the code states that drivers must not leave a vehicle in a dangerous position or cause an unnecessary obstruction.

Police or local authorities can issue penalties if a vehicle is judged to be creating a hazard.

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Motoring experts warned that the difference between these rules has left many motorists confused about what is and is not allowed.

Ian Wilson, Managing Director and car insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk, said pavement parking poses a real danger to vulnerable pedestrians.

He said: "Pavement parking can be incredibly dangerous for pedestrians, especially those with mobility issues or young children in prams.

"With two-thirds of Brits calling for a UK-wide ban, the issue appears to be of substantial concern."

Mr Wilson said the survey highlighted a lack of public understanding about the current laws.

He said: "There also seems to be confusion around the current laws, with one in five respondents stating they were unaware pavement parking is already illegal in London and Scotland.

"It's clear we need stricter and more consistent laws across the country to produce a more unified approach to this road safety issue.

"Increased awareness and larger fines for those in violation of the parking laws could improve road safety dramatically."

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