Drivers warned your car could be impounded if you park here as law is 'unclear'

Drivers have been urged to take note of local parking rules or they could land a fine or see their car towed away. Motorists should be mindful of parking on the pavement, as what restrictions apply depend on the area. The practice is generally banned in Scotland and in London but in other parts of the UK, the rules can vary.

Steve Walker, digital editor at Auto Express, explained: "The law around parking cars on the pavement isn't very clear and that's at the root of the problem. Authorities in London and Scotland have explicitly made it illegal to park a car on the pavement but the legalities are vague elsewhere.

"Individual councils are able to ban pavement parking with a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) but these are difficult to implement due to the requirement for consultations and the inevitable legal challenges." Yet drivers need to take care, as the penalties for pavement parking can be severe.

Mr Walker said: "Where pavement parking is prevented, the penalties mirror those for illegal parking generally and could range from fines to cars being towed away and impounded."

MPs debated the issue of pavement parking recently in Parliament. Liberal Democrat MP Helen Maguire led the debate and argued that councils should be given powers to decide for themselves where cars can park on the pavement. Mr Walker said it may not be appropriate to have a total ban on pavement parking.

He said: "Banning parking on all pavements would be hugely inconvenient for residents and businesses in many areas of the UK. People who live in houses without dedicated parking often rely on roadside parking space and there are plenty of streets in the UK where parking is only possible on both sides of the street because cars are partially parked on the pavement.

"A ban would dramatically reduce parking options for residents in some areas causing other knock-on issues." Yet he acknowledged that pavement parking can be a huge inconvenience for pedestrians, particular those with young children.

Mr Walker suggested the current laws could be improved by having a blanket ban on the practice that left councils free to apply exemptions where they deem this to be appropriate.

What should drivers think about when trrying to find a place to park in a residential area?

If you are looking for a place to park in a built-up area, Mr Walker said you should always be mindful of the needs of pedestrians. The expert said: "You must leave enough space for children in pushchairs, people in wheelchairs or partially sighted people to pass on the pavement easily and safely.

"This applies to residents parking their cars and delivery drivers or tradespeople who stop temporarily outside properties. Forcing pedestrians into the road to get past an inconsiderately parked vehicle is never acceptable."

He said the same principle applies to blocking access to roads or driveways. Mr Walker said: "Badly parked cars can make it impossible for larger vehicles to turn corners in residential areas. A general awareness of where you're leaving your car and how it impacts others is the name of the game here."