55% of drivers oppose UK-wide ban on pavement parking, survey suggests

10% of motorists say they park on a pavement every day

10% of motorists say they park on a pavement every day

A majority of people are against a UK-wide pavement parking ban, a survey undertaken by YourParkingSpace suggests.

The online parking marketplace undertook the survey in the wake of the Scottish Government’s decision to proceed with a nationwide pavement parking ban. The survey of 500 people reveals that 55% of respondents do not want to stop motorists from being able to park their cars on a pavement.

The YourParkingSpace research indicates that 10% of motorists park on a pavement every day, while 15% had done so because there was nowhere else to park.

The survey revealed some of the reasons why motorists park on a pavement. Almost a quarter said they had done so to stop their car from blocking the road. 

However, some of those in favour of a pavement parking ban would like to see hefty fines and harsh punishments issued to those caught, with almost a third supporting a fine of £50 or less. Some respondents would also like to see points on a driving licence and offenders to be sent on a driving awareness course or even community service.

Harrison Woods, managing director of YourParkingSpace, said: “This is a very surprising result as it appears that a majority of Brits do not want to see a nationwide ban. It could be that for some motorists it might be their only option, especially if they want to avoid blocking the road, but there is also the issue of the inconvenience that parking a car on a pavement can cause to pedestrians by obstructing their route.

"If parking on a pavement really is the only option, and it is allowed, then motorists should always make sure there is ample room for pedestrians to get past, especially those with a pushchair, in a wheelchair or with a visual impairment.”