Parking on footpaths and footways
Parking across a footpath or footway and how to report an obstruction.
Vehicles must not park on almost all of London's footways or footpaths.
The ban is in place to:
- keep pedestrians safe
- prevent damage, as footways are not designed for vehicle weights
- keep the area pleasant for walking
These footways include:
- pavements
- grass verges
- alleyways
- driveways
- pedestrian crossings
Vehicle are also banned from parking on any part of the public road, including:
- central reservations
- driveways to private property
If you park your vehicle (or any part of your vehicle) on a footway or part of a public road, you risk getting a parking ticket and being removed.
Exceptions
Some exempt streets have white bays where parking is allowed. Look for signs with a ‘P’ and a car on a footway. Do not assume a street is exempt just because others are parked there.
You can park briefly for loading or unloading in limited circumstances if you drive a heavy goods vehicle and there is no other way. There must not be a 'no loading' ban where you want to park.
Blue Badge holders are not exempt from the ban on parking on footways or in front of dropped kerbs.