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Pavement parking: action demanded

motorway

New research from the RAC shows that more than 80% of drivers want the Government to take action to tackle pavement parking in England, but they’re split on how best to approach the problem. The survey sampled the views of 1,709 drivers, finding that 42% are supportive of an outright ban on parking on pavements in England, while 41% instead want to see councils given powers to ban the practice on specific roads more easily than they can today.

When asked what they’d consider to be the most appropriate penalty if any form of ban was introduced in England, 44% of drivers said first-time offenders should be sent a written warning letter, followed by a fine for any future contraventions. Almost one-in-five (17%) think an immediate fine is appropriate, while a similar 16% believe a written warning followed by a fine and three penalty points for future violations is appropriate.

A further 5% favour an immediate fine and three penalty points, while a fifth (18%) don’t think it should be deemed an offence in the first place.

A pavement parking ban has existed in London since 1974, with offenders fined between £140 and £160 depending on where in the city they park.

In Scotland, a ban was introduced in 2025, with drivers facing a £100 penalty, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

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