Dispute over crossing pavement to park
My neighbours have recently complained about me parking my bike on the tiled area at the front of my property and crossing the pavement to get it there. They think that I need permission to keep my bike there and that I need to apply for a dropped kerb directly outside my property, instead of using the one at the end of the pavement.
I have parked motorcycles this way for over 20 years, but they have now threatened to contact the council about it.
I have checked with the police and am satisfied that I’m allowed to keep my bike on my property without committing an offence, but I’ve had difficulty finding a definitive answer about what the law says about crossing the pavement. As you can imagine, the situation is causing me a great deal of distress and I would be most grateful for your help.
Cameron, by email
Answer
I’m sorry to hear about this issue with your neighbours.
The key issue will be how far you travel along the pavement to park. As you would expect, the Road Traffic Act 1998 prohibits riding on pavements generally; however, there is an exception that allows you to do so for up to 15 yards (45 feet) if the purpose is to park your vehicle. The requirement that you go over a dropped kerb to cross the pavement is contained in the Highways Act 1980.
That means if you are travelling under 15 yards along the pavement there’s no issue, whereas, if it’s further, you would need to apply to the local council for a dropped kerb outside your property.
Download
