Blocking the pathway

Updates

• Still open, via questionnaire, 18:41, Sat 23 August 2025

• This type of problem is becoming more common and is in part due to an increase in vehicle ownership, especially in built-up areas, where parking is at a premium. A consequence of this is that roads in some locations are not designed to cater for parking which leads to motorists becoming tempted to park indiscriminately, such as close to junctions or in other obstructive ways, and in doing so fail to observe the highway code in this respect.

  Where a vehicle is parked in such a way that impedes pedestrian access, which may constitute an obstruction to road users, this should be reported to the local Police who can carry out the necessary enforcement action against the owners, however they can only consider taking action if the vehicle is parked wholly across the footpath. You may report parking issues to the Police using the following link; https://www.northants.police.uk/

  We understand that pavement parking is a significant concern for many residents, particularly where it affects pedestrian safety, accessibility, and the overall quality of our public spaces and this type of problem is becoming more common and is in part due to an increase in vehicle ownership, especially in built-up areas, where parking is at a premium. A consequence of this is that roads in some locations are not designed to cater for parking which leads to motorists becoming tempted to park indiscriminately, such as close to junctions or in other obstructive ways, and in doing so fail to observe the highway code in this respect.

  As it stands, pavement parking is not illegal outside of London unless specifically prohibited by a local authority, which requires the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), either on a street-by-street basis or through zonal restrictions. We do, however, fully understand the concerns this raises for the local community.

  While pavement parking is not automatically illegal outside of London, enforcement is possible under specific circumstances. Where parking restrictions such as yellow lines are in place, our Civil Enforcement Officers can issue Penalty Charge Notices to vehicles parked on pavements or verges. In areas without such restrictions, enforcement falls to Northamptonshire Police, who may act if a vehicle is causing a clear obstruction for example, forcing pedestrians, wheelchair users, or pushchairs into the road. Such incidents can be reported via the non-emergency number 101.

  We are closely following the Department for Transport’s (DfT) ongoing review of pavement parking regulations. The DfT launched a consultation in 2020 to explore options for addressing pavement parking outside London, including:

  • A nationwide ban on pavement parking, • Giving local authorities additional powers to enforce restrictions, • Improving the existing Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process.

  Pavement parking: options for change - GOV.UK As of now, no new legislation has been introduced. However, the DfT has updated the Highway Code to reinforce guidance on safe and considerate parking, with a particular emphasis on avoiding obstruction to pedestrians, especially those with disabilities or using mobility aids. While formal changes to enforcement powers are still pending, the DfT has indicated that further policy developments may follow. West Northamptonshire Council will review and update its local policies accordingly once any new national framework is confirmed.

  In January 2024 we extended our parking enforcement to include parking in front of dropped kerbs, so our Civil Enforcement Officers are now issuing Penalty Charge Notices to any vehicles that are found to be parking in this way. Regrettably, due to the geographical area that our Enforcement Officer’s cover it is not possible to remain in one location for a prolonged period, therefore there will unfortunately always be occasions where vehicles will park in contravention of the restrictions in place without receiving a Penalty Charge Notice.

  State changed to: Closed

  Posted by West Northamptonshire Council at 10:25, Fri 14 November 2025