Parking on footways and verges

The Council has a responsibility to keep the roads and footways safe to use.

Illegally parked vehicles cost the Council thousands of pounds a year in damage to paving, damage to grass verges, and cause serious problems for blind, disabled and older people.

What action does the Council take against footway parking?

If there are waiting restrictions (yellow lines) on the road adjacent to the footway then a Penalty Charge Notice would be issued since a vehicle parked in this manner is in contravention of the traffic order. Waiting restrictions cover the road from centre of highway to the highway boundary, including verges.

If there are no waiting restrictions on the highway adjacent to the footway, then the Council have no powers to take action and this should be taken up with the Police if the parking constitutes obstruction.

Why is footway parking a problem?

Footways are constructed and provided for pedestrian use. Vehicles parked on footways are:

• A hazard to pedestrians causing an obstruction which may result in them having to step off the footway onto the road thus putting themselves in danger.
• A hazard by restricting the width of the footway making it difficult for someone with a pushchair or wheelchair to pass safely - again this person may have to step into the road to avoid the obstruction.
• A hazard due to the damage caused by driving on and off the footway - broken flags etc.

For further information please contact

Highways Helpdesk,
Bedfordshire County Council,
6th Floor,
County Hall,
Bedford,
MK42 9AP
Tel: (01234) 228661
Email: highways@bedscc.gov.uk |