Drivers have come out in overwhelming support of new rules that would crack down on pavement parking, with one city introducing new laws today.
Fresh data shows that 83 per cent of motorists, representing tens of millions of drivers, want the Government to tackle pavement parking in England, although concerns remain about how to implement such rules.
Research from the RAC found that just over four in 10 drivers are in favour of an outright ban on pavement parking, while the same proportion want councils to have the power to ban the practice on specific roads.
In 2020, the Government launched a consultation on how it could ban pavement parking, and although the consultation ended under Boris Johnson’s premiership, the results have yet to be published.
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The parking technique is widespread, with the RAC finding that two-thirds see vehicles either partially or fully parked on pavements close to where they live.
Of those, one-third say they see pavement parking every day, while just five per cent say they never see vehicles blocking pavements.
Labour is expected to announce the next steps on tackling pavement parking in the very near future, with a Westminster Hall debate expected to take place this week.
Several MPs have supported calls for new rules, including Lib Dem MP Helen Maguire, who is set to host the debate this week, as well as Labour MP Marsha De Cordova, who introduced a Private Members’ Bill to the House of Commons.
Pavement parking is currently illegal in London and across Scotland
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GETTYRod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, described pavement parking as a “serious problem” that needs to be addressed, with pedestrians being pushed onto roads unfairly.
He added: “A clear majority of drivers agree and want to see an end to needless pavement parking that causes accessibility problems, but when it comes to the solution, the jury is out.
“Any future Government policy, therefore, needs to strike the right balance between stamping out pavement parking that causes a danger to people walking or wheeling, and ensuring some of England’s streets don’t end up being inadvertently blocked by parked vehicles.”
Pavement parking is banned in London and is punishable with a fine between £140 and £160, depending on where they are caught breaking the rules.
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The practice has also been banned in Scotland since November 2023, with local authorities given the green light to issue fines to motorists who park on pavements.
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 bans pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs, although certain exemptions are available to motorists.
Fines worth £100 can be issued by local councils if drivers are caught breaking the rules. Motorists can bring this cost down to £50 if they pay within 14 days.
From today, Monday, September 1, 2025, Fife Council will start enforcing the national pavement parking ban, which is expected to put thousands of motorists at risk of a fine.
Drivers across Fife will face fines for pavement parking from today
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FIFE COUNCILFife Council outlined that it aims to boost the safety of pedestrians, especially those with mobility issues, visual impairments, or those with pushchairs and prams.
Warning notices have been used across the region since July 1, with drivers encouraged to amend their habits before the rules are introduced.
Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council Spokesperson for finance, economy and strategic planning, said: “We’re asking drivers to do the right thing for others.
“Pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs create road safety hazards and put vulnerable pedestrians and wheelchair users in danger. The new restrictions will make our streets safer for all road users.”
Exemptions include emergency services, roadworks, postal services, breakdown or accident assistance vehicles to park on the pavement for as long as is necessary, while delivery services can park for 20 minutes.