The motoring publication Autocar has found that London councils raked in almost £8.5million in fines from drivers parking on the pavements in 12 months.
From November 2022 to November 2023, the company found that 170,000 Penalty Charge Notices were issued to motorists for pavement parking in the capital alone.
Mark Tisshaw, Autocar editor, highlighted that a growing number of parts in the UK are introducing a similar ban.
He explained: “Scotland is following London’s lead by clamping down on pavement parking, which can have serious consequences for pedestrians – especially those with reduced mobility.
“Drivers across the country – in both rural and urban areas – need to understand the rules to avoid being fined.”
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The Highway Code states that motorists must not park their vehicle with at least one wheel on the pavement, which could force pedestrians to walk onto the road.
According to the figures, the Borough of Newham saw the most fines issued for on-pavement parking during the 12-month period, with the council receiving £936,391.
However, despite the large amount of money raised from motorists who park on the pavement, Autocar highlighted that nearly a third of fines have yet to be paid.
To help clamp down on the number of drivers committing the offence, a new law in Scotland introduced a £100 fine for motorists who break this rule when parking.
Elsewhere in the UK, motorists typically face a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice for pavement parking, which can be issued by the police, council or the DVLA.
Autocar noted that any profits made from parking fines must be used to fund services such as off-street parking spaces, public transport, or highway maintenance.
