Pavement parking in London: what's banned and the fine in 2026

Parking on the pavement is against the law across London, and it is one of the few road rules that applies throughout the capital without any special signs. Rule 244 of The Highway Code puts it plainly: "You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London or Scotland." Here is where it is banned, what it costs and how to report it.

Can you park on the pavement in London?

No. A ban on pavement parking has applied across Greater London since 1974, under section 15 of the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1974. It covers putting any wheel onto the footway. Exceptions exist only where a council has formally allowed parking at a specific spot, shown by traffic signs. If there is no sign permitting it, you cannot park on the pavement.

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Is it allowed in the rest of England?

Outside London there is no blanket national ban yet: pavement and verge parking is permitted unless a council prohibits it on a given street or zone through a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). However, causing an "unnecessary obstruction" of the road remains a criminal offence enforced by the police — under section 137 of the Highways Act 1980 and regulation 103 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. Goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are separately banned from parking on verges or pavements without police permission. Scotland, like London, has a general pavement-parking ban.

What is the fine for pavement parking in London?

In London the breach is dealt with by a civil Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), and pavement parking is a higher-level contravention. From 7 April 2025 London councils raised the rates: the higher level is £160 in Band A boroughs and £140 in Band B; the lower level is £110 and £90. Pay within 14 days and the charge is halved. The increase was approved by the Mayor of London in decision MD3328. The exact sum depends on the borough that issues the ticket.

Who is worst affected by pavement parking?

A car on the footway is most dangerous for disabled people, parents with prams and older residents. According to the government consultation, about 13.3 million people (21% of the population) identify as having a disability. 95% of people with a visual impairment and 98% of wheelchair users reported a problem with pavement parking over the previous year. As a result, 32% of people with sight loss and 48% of wheelchair users said they were less willing to go out on their own. 57 of 68 local authorities that responded called it a widespread problem.

Will a ban be rolled out across England?

The government consulted on this, but there is still no decision. The Department for Transport proposed three options: improve the existing TRO system; let councils with civil parking enforcement (CPE) powers fine drivers for "unnecessary obstruction of the pavement"; or extend the London-style ban across England with council-set exceptions (which would need primary legislation). The consultation closed on 22 November 2020, and no final decision had been announced by the time of publication. 96% of English local authorities already hold CPE powers.

Where do you report a car parked on the pavement?

Report it to the local council — most have an online form for parking complaints, and it is the council that issues the PCN. If a vehicle is dangerous or completely blocks access for the emergency services, that is a matter for the police — call 101, or 999 if there is a real danger. Rule 243 of The Highway Code separately says not to park in front of an entrance, where a kerb has been lowered for wheelchair users, or where you would block the emergency services.