Survey Reveals Strong Support for Nationwide Pavement Parking Ban
A new survey by insurance comparison site Tiger.co.uk has found that 68% of UK adults want pavement parking banned across the entire country. The poll of 1,000 respondents highlights growing concerns over pedestrian safety, particularly for disabled people and families with prams.
Currently, pavement parking is illegal only in London and Scotland. London's ban dates back to 1974 under the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act, with fines up to £130. Scotland introduced its own nationwide ban in 2019, with fines of up to £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
Confusion Over Existing Laws
Ian Wilson, Managing Director and car insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk, said: "Pavement parking can be incredibly dangerous for pedestrians, especially those with mobility issues or young children in prams. With two-thirds of Brits calling for a UK-wide ban, the issue appears to be of substantial concern."
He added: "There also seems to be confusion around the current laws, with one in five respondents stating they were unaware pavement parking is already illegal in London and Scotland. It's clear we need stricter and more consistent laws across the country to produce a more unified approach to this road safety issue."
Previous Attempts at Legislation
A Private Members’ Bill seeking to make pavement parking illegal across the UK was introduced in Parliament in 2015. However, it failed to progress beyond a second reading in the House of Commons due to concerns about residents on narrow streets with no off-street parking alternatives.
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 bans pavement parking, double parking, and parking at dropped kerbs, with exemptions designated by local authorities for emergency vehicle access. Since December 2023, Scottish councils can fine drivers £100 for violations, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
Call for Consistent Laws
Wilson emphasized the need for uniform legislation: "Increased awareness and larger fines for those in violation of the parking laws could improve road safety dramatically." The survey underscores public demand for action, with two-thirds of Brits supporting a nationwide ban to protect vulnerable pedestrians.
