From city centre parking restrictions to the logistical challenges of multi-drop deliveries, access to kerbside in urban areas can present a real challenge to van drivers. So we understand that often you have no choice but to put your vehicle onto a pavement. It is, however, important you always remain mindful of the needs of others and ensure your vehicles is positioned as considerately as possible. While pavement parking has been illegal in London since 1974, in October 2019, Scotland made history as the first UK country to outlaw it; as such, it is expected to be a big issue in 2020.
While the new Scottish legislation does contain a clause allowing delivery vehicles to park on the pavement for up to 20 minutes at a time, there are still safety concerns – whether you are in Scotland, or elsewhere in the UK – that you must keep in mind. After all, vehicles on pavements can obstruct vulnerable pedestrians, including mobility scooter users, wheelchair users, the visually impaired and parents with pushchairs. By blocking the pavement, you may be preventing their onward travel, or forcing these people into the road to get past, therefore compromising their safety. You should also ensure you are not parking over areas of tactile pavement designed to assist the visually impaired. These are usually noticeable as they have raised bumps on them therefore signalling to visually impaired pedestrians that there is an available crossing for them.
Special consideration should also be made when stopping at the roadside. For example, you should avoid stopping your vehicle opposite junctions and alongside dropped kerbs. Dropped kerbs are essential crossing points for wheelchair or mobility scooter users and maintain their access to local facilities. Their safety could be compromised if forced to cross using higher, raised kerbs as this could cause their wheelchair or scooter to tip over. Leaving your vehicle inconsiderately either at a junction, or a dropped kerb, could see you issued with a penalty charge notice – so it is also in your best interests to park considerately!
