Pavement parking ban 'opposed' by majority of motorists

A majority of motorists are against a UK-wide pavement parking ban, a survey from YourParkingSpace.co.uk suggests.

It reveals that 55% of respondents don’t want to stop motorists from being able to park their cars on a pavement.

At present the rules say that it is only illegal in London to park on a pavement, although it is grey area for the rest of the UK as you can still get a fine in some circumstances.

However, the Department for Transport (DfT) is considering a review of current traffic legislation which could make the whole of the UK the same as London, while The Transport (Scotland) Bill will also introduce a ban north of the border.

The YourParkingSpace.co.uk survey also revealed some of the reasons why motorists park on a pavement, with almost a quarter of the 500 people who took part in the survey saying they had done so to stop their car from blocking the road.

However, some of those in favour of a pavement parking ban would like to see hefty fines and harsh punishments dished out to those caught, with almost one in three supporting a fine of £50 or less.

Some would even like to see points on a driving licence, for offenders to be sent on a driving awareness course or even community service.

Harrison Woods, managing director at YourParkingSpace.co.uk, said: “This is a very surprising result as it appears that a majority of Brits do not want to see a nationwide ban.

“It could be that for some motorists it might be their only option, especially if they want to avoid blocking the road, but there is also the issue of the inconvenience that parking a car on a pavement can cause to pedestrians by obstructing their route.

“If parking on a pavement really is the only option, and it is allowed, then motorists should always make sure there is ample room for pedestrians to get past, especially those with a pushchair, in a wheelchair or with a visual impairment.”

Other findings from the survey show almost one in 10 motorists park on a pavement every day, while 15% had done so because there was nowhere else to park.

To help motorists avoid falling foul of some basic road parking rules, YourParkingSpace.co.uk reminds car owners not to park on double or single yellow lines, and to avoid stopping on Red Routes, although for Blue Badge holders there are exceptions.

Also, stopping or waiting on yellow or white zig-zag lines is prohibited, while cars should not be parked within 10 metres of a junction, unless in an authorised parking space.