Motorists could be slapped with hefty fines for parking outside their own homes under new laws being mulled over by the Government.
The powers that be are currently mulling over plans to ban pavement parking across the nation, which would see rule-breakers hit with penalties. There's nothing more frustrating than driving on your street and not finding a space for your car, which leads to many parking on the side pavement.
However, drivers may soon be prohibited from doing so. This proposed change could cause a headache for residents on tight roads where drivers currently park partially on pavements.
While motorists should never fully block pavements, ensuring pedestrians can still pass, an outright ban would mark a significant shift. Space is often at a premium on the most narrow and congested residential streets, while drivers may also worry about their cars being nicked or damaged by passing traffic.
Pavement parking is already outlawed in London, with campaigners pushing for the restriction to be rolled out nationwide to boost safety for pedestrians, especially those with disabilities and parents with prams. In London, pavement parking is prohibited; with a regulation having existed since 1974 with hefty fines for those who break the rules.
The move comes hot on the heels of new stats showing pavement parking is one of the top gripes Brits have about their neighbours, reports Chronicle Live. However, the issue can cut both ways, with locals often irked by vehicles hogging too much road space, according to research by Haypp.
There are still questions over how such a ban would be effectively enforced across the country, given that local council budgets are already stretched. Andy Syrett, UK managing director at YourParkingSpace, commented: "This is a live issue that affects almost every street in the country."
"If a nationwide ban is introduced, it would mean a major change to how millions of people park their cars – and live their daily lives. There's strong support for safer, more accessible pavements," he added. "But it's clear many drivers are worried about the disruption, especially in built-up areas where space is already tight."
