Is it illegal to park on the pavement in the UK?

Pavement parking laws vary across the UK. In London, it’s been illegal since 1974, with fines of up to £130. Scotland introduced a nationwide pavement parking ban in 2023. In most of England and Wales, there’s no blanket ban, but it’s illegal according to the Highway Code if it obstructs pedestrians or other road users or damages the pavement.

Local councils can create specific parking restrictions through Traffic Regulation Orders. The UK government has considered a nationwide prohibition in England but hasn’t implemented this yet, so there are currently a wide range of rules in different locations. The following article will look at some of these.

Region-by-region breakdown

England & Wales

London

Scotland

Is it illegal to park on the pavement in Wales?

There is no ban on pavement parking in Wales, but if the motor vehicle is causing an unnecessary obstruction, this is an offence and can be enforced by the police.

Unlike Scotland’s blanket ban approach, Wales is opting for a more targeted strategy that would enable local councils to issue fines for problematic pavement parking, while potentially permitting it in certain areas via Traffic Regulation Orders. However, the legislation is still delayed beyond the original 2023 timeline, and there is currently no confirmed implementation date.

In practice, parking on pavements is largely unenforced in Wales. If a vehicle parked on a pavement is deemed to be causing an “unnecessary obstruction of the highway,” police can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice. This is typically £50 but is rarely done in practice.

Is it illegal to park on the pavement in Birmingham?

In Birmingham, like much of the UK, on-street parking is generally not illegal unless local authorities have implemented a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to ban it. This means that unless signs or road markings indicate otherwise, there is no automatic prohibition on pavement parking.

However, there are exceptions. If a vehicle is causing an unnecessary obstruction it may be considered a public nuisance. Examples include parking at or near a school entrance, bus or tram stop or taxi rank, in front of an entrance to a property, or at a dropped kerb. In such cases, the police have the authority to issue a parking ticket.

The issue of pavement parking is a significant concern in Birmingham. It can force pedestrians, particularly disabled people, wheelchair users, the elderly, children, or people with prams, to walk in the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Damage caused to pavements by vehicles mounting the kerb can also be costly to repair, increasing the maintenance costs for local authorities.

Is it illegal to park on the pavement in Manchester?

As with Wales, Birmingham, Northern Ireland, and the rest of the UK, there is currently no ban on pavement parking in Manchester, but it is discouraged, and drivers should use their common sense when deciding where to park and pay attention to traffic signs. Causing unnecessary obstruction to roads, pavements (including grass verges), property entrances, cycle, bus, or tram lanes can lead to a parking ticket.

Any vehicle parked at a dropped kerb, where the footway has been lowered to allow easy access, can receive a penalty charge of £70 or could even be towed. Parking on school keep-clear zigzags, yellow lines found near schools, can also result in a £70 penalty charge notice.

In the city centre of Manchester there is a controlled parking zone in operation from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Sunday. In this zone and during these times, on-street parking is provided by pay and display bays. These bays are free to use between 8pm and 8am, as well as on bank holidays. Failure to pay and display where required can lead to a parking ticket of £50.

Alternatives to pavement parking

Parking on pavements often causes serious issues for pedestrians, especially for people in wheelchairs, parents with prams, people with visual impairments, and the elderly, and on narrow roads it can also stem traffic flow and inconvenience other road users and emergency vehicles. Many local authorities outside of London and Scotland, where on-street parking is generally illegal, are taking steps to impose parking restrictions. Here are some legal and considerate alternatives to on-street parking:

1. Designated car parks

Public and private car parks remain the most reliable and legal option for parking. Supermarkets, shopping centres, train stations, and local council-operated facilities often have dedicated spaces that are both convenient and secure. Many car parks offer free or low-cost short-stay options, particularly in suburban and residential areas.

2. Park-and-ride schemes

In larger towns and cities, park-and-ride systems offer an excellent alternative. These facilities allow drivers to park their cars in secure car parks outside the city centre and travel in via public transport. This reduces congestion on busy roads, lowers emissions, and eliminates the temptation to park in pedestrian-restricted zones.

3. Off-street parking at home

If you own a property, consider investing in off-street parking solutions such as a driveway or garage conversion. While this may involve upfront costs, it offers long-term convenience and ensures you’re not in violation of local parking regulations.

4. On-street parking with clear markings

Where available, drivers should always use legally designated on-street parking bays. These are typically marked with white lines and may include signage about time restrictions. Be sure to avoid double yellow lines, dropped kerbs, and any other dangerous obstruction.

5. Permit zones and residents’ parking

Many councils in Britain and Northern Ireland offer resident parking permits to control congestion on residential roads. These zones guarantee residents an authorised parking space without resorting to pavement parking, while also discouraging non-local traffic.

What measures can local councils take to reduce pavement parking?

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Can I park on the pavement if no signs prohibit it?

Only in areas without a ban—and if you don’t obstruct; otherwise, police can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice.

What’s the penalty for obstruction in England?

Usually between £50–£70, depending on the location and severity.

When did Scotland ban pavement parking?

Scotland introduced a nationwide ban across all council areas in 2023.

Is pavement parking always illegal in Wales?

No blanket ban, but you can be fined £50 if your vehicle unreasonably obstructs.

Can local authorities stop pavement parking?

Yes, through Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs), councils can enforce local pavement parking bans with signage and lines.