Parking On A Dropped Kerb: The UK Law
If you receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) for a parking violation, you’ll need to pay as much as £90 for the fine. Parking on a dropped kerb is one of the things that can get you a PCN.
Dropped kerb parking isn’t only about the fine you might have to pay though. It can be as much of a moral issue as a legal one.
Let’s look at what you need to know about dropped kerb legislation.
What Is A Dropped Kerb?
A dropped kerb is a section of pavement that’s lowered to make it easier for people with disabilities to get from the pavement to the road or for vehicles to drive across.
They can be in the middle of the block or on a corner but the rules about parking on a dropped kerb are the same no matter where they’re located.
Highway Code Rule #243
Rule 243 of the Highway Code identifies where you are not allowed to park. One of the restrictions is that you can’t part where the kerb is lowered to provide easier access for wheelchairs and powered mobility vehicles.
The only exception to the rule is that you are only allowed to stop or park in these places when stationary traffic forces you to do so.
What Leads To A PCN For Dropped Kerb Parking
This so-called “dropped kerb law” is enforced by either local police or the local council. Complaints are made either through the non-emergency phone number for police or through the council directly.
In most cases, people will approach the council will complaints first. Whether they issue a PCN for parking a dropped kerb often depends on how significant the blockage is.
If the vehicle is fully blocking the dropped kerb so it impedes people who are mobility-challenged, they’re much more likely to issue a PCN than if the vehicle is not completely blocking access.
A Step Too Far?
It’s not unusual for someone to get a ticket for parking on their own dropped kerb. You can avoid it in most places by registering your vehicle with the local council.
They’ll require the make, model, and registration of your vehicle along with proof of residence. Once that information is registered, you’ll be safe parking on your own dropped kerb.
Parking In Front of A Driveway
Parking your vehicle so it blocks a driveway also falls under Rule 243 of the Highway Code. Similar to the litmus test for issuing a PCN for dropped kerb parking, you will generally only receive a ticket if you’re completely blocking access to the driveway.
And if a vehicle is left for an extended period of time and is untaxed for over a month, it’s considered abandoned and the local council can remove it.
Parking On A Dropped Kerb Isn’t Worth The Risk
While you may be able to get away with parking on a dropped kerb in some cases, it’s not worth taking a chance. The £90 fine you could receive is much higher than you would pay for parking in a proper car park.
To learn more about the rules of the road so you can avoid unexpected tickets and the fines that come along with them, sign up for driving lessons from Totally Driving. We help everyone from nervous new drivers to experienced drivers looking for a refresher.
Get in touch with us to get started.
