What the law says today – and what’s about to change

For many UK drivers, squeezing a car onto the pavement is a daily necessity on narrow streets. But the rules around it are a mess of local quirks. In London and all of Scotland, it’s straightforward: parking on the pavement – even partially – is illegal, full stop. Leave the capital, and the Highway Code merely says you “should not” do it, not “must not,” making the advice sound optional.

That permissiveness has a catch. Local councils can impose Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) banning pavement parking on specific streets, but the process is slow and usually covers only tiny areas. Parking that forces pedestrians into the road or blocks the path can also land you with a fine under obstruction laws, or even have your car towed.

The picture is set to change. In early 2026, the Labour government announced plans to give local authorities in England – outside London – the power to enforce blanket pavement parking bans more easily. The measures aim to replace the current postcode lottery with a consistent approach, and have been welcomed by disability campaigners who argue blocked pavements are dangerous and isolating.

Why the government is stepping in now

A confusing patchwork few understand

The gap between “should not” and a legally enforceable ban has left motorists guessing. While roughly half of England’s councils reportedly issue permits for pavement parking, many drivers – particularly in densely built residential areas – assume two wheels on the kerb is fine. In reality, if a TRO is in place or an officer deems the car an obstruction, a £130 fine (reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days) can appear on the windscreen. It’s a system that penalises ignorance as much as recklessness.

The push for blanket bans gains political traction

Labour’s 2026 announcement frames the change as a proportionate response to years of advocacy. Guide Dogs chief executive Andrew Lennox called the current situation “especially dangerous for people with sight loss, who can be forced into the road with traffic they can’t see.” By handing councils a legal shortcut, the government hopes to clear pavements for vulnerable pedestrians without dragging out TRO consultations street by street. Whether all councils will adopt immediate bans, or phase them in, remains an open question – but the direction of travel is clear.

How to dodge a fine and keep your car safe

  • Know your location. In London and Scotland, any pavement parking is illegal, so find an alternative space. In the rest of England, check your local council website for any existing TROs or painted bays signalling exceptions.
  • Think like a pedestrian. If one wheel on the kerb would force a pushchair, wheelchair user, or visually impaired person into the road, you are likely to be considered an obstruction – and could face a fine.
  • Watch for physical damage. Bumping wheels onto the kerb repeatedly can nick alloys, weaken tyres, and strain suspension. Longer-term uneven loading can cause uneven wear, so keep pavement parking as a last resort.
  • Encourage your council to act. If your street is plagued by pavement parking, contact your local authority; the new powers will make it easier for them to introduce restrictions if they choose to.