Can I park on pavements?

I would be grateful if you could point me in the right direction in relation parking motorbikes on pavements. Last week my son went to pick up a coffee and parked his bike on the pavement outside. The pavement is very wide, and people park their bikes and scooters up to go into the shops all the time. I thought that this was allowed if there was still enough room for pedestrians and people in wheelchairs to pass, but despite only being there for 5 minutes he ended up with a ticket.

Robert, by email

Answer

Rule 244 of the Highway Code states that: ‘You must not park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it. Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs.’

If this happened in London, pavement parking is banned under section 15 of the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1974, which makes it an offence to park on pavements in the Greater London area.

If it happened outside London, you are only allowed to park on the pavement if there is sign that permits you to do so and provided your motorcycle is not causing an obstruction. What constitutes an obstruction is subjective and it will come down to the traffic warden’s interpretation of the individual case.

The safest option is therefore to find alternative parking in a car park or a designated bay to ensure that you do not run the risk of being fined.