The Department for Transport (DfT) is poised to address the question of a UK-wide pavement parking ban, with a recent RAC survey finding most drivers support government action.
The previous government’s consultation on pavement parking closed in late 2020 with no formal response. This left community leaders and local councils frustrated, with the matter unresolved. The current government has signalled its intention to address the issue, with the DfT expected to decide on the introduction of a pavement parking ban during this parliamentary tenure.
Pavement parking has been banned in London since 1974, with fines increasing in 2025 to strengthen the deterrent. Offenders now face penalties of £90–£160, depending on the borough and the severity of the infringement.
Edinburgh is the only other UK city enforcing a pavement parking ban, following Scottish parking legislation from January 2024. Other areas are following suit, however, with East Dunbartonshire Council starting to enforce the national pavement parking ban as of September this year.
An independent report, commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA), the representative body for councils in England and Wales, detailed the challenges caused by footpath parking encroachment. This included the lack of space to pass freely, poor surface quality, trip hazards, and not enough places to cross the road safely.
On top of this, lack of funding, difficulties in maintaining a clear picture of the condition of footways, and bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining Traffic Regulation Orders were identified as challenges for councils.
It’s not just councils that want to do away with pavement parking. According to a recent RAC survey of 1700 UK drivers, 83% of drivers want the government to tackle the issue in England.
The survey found:
- 66% of respondents see partially or fully parked vehicles on pavements close to their home
- 42% are supportive of an outright ban on parking on pavements in England
- 41% want it to be easier for councils to access powers that ban the practice on specific roads
- Just 13% don’t believe pavement parking should be banned at all
- 63% reported seeing vehicles blocking pavements every day, or most days
- With a ban in place, 44% of drivers said first-time offenders should be sent a written warning letter, followed by a fine for any future contraventions
Speaking on the publication of the survey, RAC senior policy officer, Rod Dennis, said: “There’s no doubting pavement parking is a serious problem in some communities that needs tackling. No pavement user should be forced into walking or wheeling into the road because of someone parking inconsiderately.”
This is something that will affect tradespeople and anyone else who drives a large van. With space often limited, parking on the pavement is sometimes the only choice.
Dennis continued: “A clear majority of drivers want to see an end to needless pavement parking that causes accessibility problems, but when it comes to the solution, the jury is out.
“This probably reflects the fact that not all UK streets are the same – after all, some drivers will put a tyre or two on the kerb on narrow residential streets to ensure other vehicles can still pass them, while not blocking pedestrians using the pavement.”
With renewed hope that the current government will take action, councils and communities are anticipating clear national guidelines and enforcement powers. These measures promise safer, more accessible pavements. However, with London already fining up to £160, similar penalties elsewhere could quickly add costs for tradespeople relying on pavement parking to reach customers.
