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Wokingham Borough Council
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Pavements are for people

pavement parking logo

Pavements are constructed and provided for pedestrian use.

Vehicles parked on pavements are:

  • A hazard to pedestrians causing an obstruction which may result in them having to step off the pavement onto the highway, putting themselves in danger

  • A hazard by restricting the width of the pavement making it difficult for someone with a pushchair, electric scooter or wheelchair to pass safely

  • A hazard for the visually impaired with guide dogs or long canes

  • A hazard due to the damage caused by driving on and off the pavement – broken paving slabs etc

 

Parking Attendants have the power to deal with pavement parking if there are waiting restrictions - yellow lines - on the highway adjacent to the pavement. In these instances, a Penalty Charge Notice can be issued as the vehicle would be parking in contravention of a traffic order. Waiting restrictions cover the highway from the centre of the highway to the building line, including any grass areas.

If there are no waiting restrictions present, it could be that an obstruction offence is being committed. The Police have powers to enforce this offence under the Highways Act.

Streetworks, roadworks, skips, scaffolds, hoardings, advertising boards and building materials that block the pavement are all considered to be causing an obstruction to pedestrians.

General advice

  • It can be inadvisable to approach the problem directly, the risk of physical or verbal abuse is inherent in any complaint made person to person

  • In the case of obstacles other than cars, contacting the Highways Department at the council would be advisable in the first instance

  • If vehicles are causing the obstruction, this should be referred to the Police

 

There are various organisations which recognise the issue of pavement parking  and obstruction, running campaigns to highlight the problems faced by able-bodied and disabled people alike.

One of these is Living Streets. 

This organisation was formed in 1929 as the Pedestrians Association. It is the champion of streets and public spaces for people on foot. It works on practical projects to create safe, vibrant and healthy streets for all.

For further information please contact the Councils Access Officer or if you have a specific problem you wish to discuss, please use the Access feedback form.