Isobel Pankhurst
Drivers in England and Wales could face a £70 fine for 'bad parking' in new law that's expected to come into force this year.
Under new plans drawn up by the Department of Transport (DfT), fixed penalty notices could be given out to those who park on the pavement, even if there’s no double yellow lines.
If the law passes through Parliament drivers parking on a pavement, blocking a narrow road or the pathway itself, could receive a hefty £70 fine.
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The Manchester Evening News recently reported that a quarter of motorists said they were unsure of the laws surrounding parking on pavements.
The proposed law comes alongside a crackdown on illegal parking and dangerous driving.
Another suggestion is that drivers caught parking on pavements should receive points on their licence as well as the costly fine.
While these new laws may come as a surprise to some, parking on the pavement is already illegal in London, and in number of other UK boroughs.
While these new measures are still under consideration they could come into effect quite soon in England and Wales. With Scotland being expected to follow in 2023.
Parking on the pavement can be dangerous to pedestrians who are then forced to walk into the road and around the car.
Talking about this, Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com has sad: "What may seem a small inconvenience to some, might be a huge hindrance to others.
“But it’s important to remember that pavements are there for the use and safety of pedestrians only, and therefore should be respected by all other road users.
“However, without a clearer understanding of the law around pavement parking, it’ll be hard to implement fines to drivers who break the rules.
“The current laws around pavement parking can be quite confusing, which is why it’s difficult at times to prosecute drivers.
“With consultations ongoing for England and Wales, with Scotland already pioneering the way to make a big change, drivers should be wary that changes could come into force sooner rather than later.
“Councils will be given a bigger responsibility and penalty charges could be issued.
“The laws around parking on pavements is just one of many new driving laws coming into effect this year, with road user safety at the forefront of each.”