Millions might have to change their parking habits

Millions of UK motorists who park on pavements could be forced to change the way they park.

At present it is only illegal to park on a pavement in London with Scotland also pressing ahead, but Government is now moving forwards and reviewing the situation that could ban it across the rest of the UK.

However, a survey by online parking portal YourParkingSpace.co.uk revealed that millions of Brits regularly park on a pavement, almost 1-in-10 doing so every single day.

And with an estimated 31 million cars in the UK, this equates to about 3 million cars being parked on pavements on a daily basis.

Pavement parking was also a weekly occurrence for more than 1-in-20, while just under 1-in-5 admitted they had done it but did not know how often.

Yet the millions of Brits who admit to stopping on a pavement appear to have little sympathy for fellow drivers with nearly half wanting to fine those caught doing it.

Harrison Woods, managing director at YourParkingSpace.co.uk, said: “Parking splits opinion, none more so than the issue of parking on pavements.

“In many parts of the UK it is still allowed but this could soon change as the Government reviews the issue. The outcome could affect the parking habits of millions.”

The contentious nature of the issue was further highlighted in the YourParkingSpace.co.uk survey which revealed an almost exact 50/50 split of those in favour and against a UK wide pavement parking ban.

Harrison added: “Parking on a pavement can cause real inconvenience to pedestrians but some motorists feel it can be their only option.

“Our advice, where pavement parking is currently allowed, is to always make sure there’s plenty of room for pedestrians to get pass and to be aware of people with a pushchair, with a visual impairment or in a wheelchair.”