Pavement parkingUnited Kingdom
Traffic rules
United Kingdom
1. Pavement parking
Pavement parking means parking a vehicle fully or partly on a pavement or footway that is primarily intended for pedestrians. It can reduce the space available for people walking and may create particular difficulties for wheelchair users, people with pushchairs and pedestrians with visual impairments.
Pavement parking is prohibited or restricted in many countries unless signs or road markings specifically allow it. Where it is permitted, drivers should park only within the designated area and leave sufficient space for pedestrians.
Is pavement parking prohibited throughout Great Britain?
No. The Highway Code for Great Britain prohibits parking partly or wholly on the pavement in London and Scotland, subject to limited exceptions. Elsewhere in Great Britain it advises against pavement parking unless signs permit it. Local bans, waiting restrictions and obstruction offences still apply.
🔗 gov.uk • Highway Code for Great Britain — Rule244, pavement parking in London and Scotland
Can a Scottish council authorise parking partly on a pavement?
Yes, in a signed exemption area. Scotland's national pavement-parking ban has limited statutory exceptions and councils may designate exemptions meeting specified conditions, with signs and markings. Leaving a nominal walking gap by itself is not permission to park.
