Is Parking Over a Dropped Kerb Illegal in the UK?
For those who don’t know, dropped kerbs are a part of the pavement that is lowered to slope downwards to practically level with the road. Usually, people use them at pedestrian crossings to easily cross the road, and they’re also incredibly common in residential spaces, allowing homeowners to drive directly up the pavement and into their driveway.
These dropped kerbs often prove challenging for drivers desperately trying to find a parking space in a bustling space. But the true question here is, is it even legal to park over a dropped kerb in the UK?
To give a straight answer, yes, parking over a dropped kerb is not allowed, and in case you do, you can receive a Penalty Charge Notice for your action. However, often, you only get a fine if you’re fully blocking a driveway or annoying others through your choice of parking spot.
To discuss a specific scenario, if you park your vehicle entirely across a dropped kerb to an extent that the driveway owner can't use their vehicle, you can expect a callout from the police. They may even tow away your vehicle for this trespassing.
Dropped Kerb Parking: Fines & Penalties in the UK
There can be several sorts of penalties for trespassing on the dropped kerb parking regulation, varying with the local codes and enforcement regulations. More often, this sort of violation results in a fine or even towing of the vehicle.
But that’s not it. Parking across a dropped kerb could also impact emergency services, as it may hinder their access to the property. Therefore, you need to find alternative parking options, such as public parking areas or residential parking permits. Moreover, you need to consider disability access considerations when parking near a dropped kerb to ensure that disabled individuals do not face any hindrance.
Parking on Your Own Dropped Kerb: Is It Allowed?
Well, you might think that the answer to this question would be a sure-fire “Yes,” but in reality, it isn’t. As a driver, you simply cannot park across a dropped kerb, whether it’s outside of your own house or somebody else’s. And the reason is simple — you do not own the kerb.
You see, a kerb is not just for drivers to drive into and out of their driveways. It also proves pretty useful for pedestrians who might need a lowered kerb. For instance, wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs, or people with mobility problems.
However, there are a few exceptions to the rule, one of which does involve parking across the kerb of a private (not shared) residential premises by or with the consent of the owner. Not sure if you’re allowed? Park there at your own risk.
Legal Parking Distance from Dropped Kerbs in the UK
According to the government guidelines, you cannot park “adjacent to any footway, cycle track or verge that has been dropped or raised to meet the level of the carriageway”. The official rules continue to say that “a vehicle is considered to be committing a parking contravention where any part of the vehicle is blocking any part along the full length of the dropped kerb, this includes the sloped kerb stones”. Hope this answers your question.
However, you can park opposite a dropped kerb as there are no rules or restrictions that prevent you from doing so. If you see no yellow lines in place, then you can freely park your vehicle, as nobody can stop you from parking there.
How to Report a Vehicle Blocking Your Dropped Kerb?
If you notice any vehicle parked over your dropped kerb and blocking the driveway, look for the vehicle’s number and other details. Call your local council parking team and tell them everything about the vehicle, as well as your name and address. Then wait and watch, as the CEO (Civil Enforcement Officer) reaches your place out to justly deal with the vehicle and the offending parker.
Remember, although the authorities can take action against any vehicle owner whose vehicle obstructs a dropped kerb without permission, you first need to discuss the issue with the driver of the vehicle. If the driver is not present or you are not able to resolve the matter with them, you can contact the Parking Enforcement team by email or call your local council.
When Parking Over a Dropped Kerb Is Legal
The local bodies don’t take enforcement action against vehicles:
- Parked fully within a dedicated parking spot or any other area where parking is permissible.
- Parked outside a residential property with a shared driveway, only with the consent of the property owner.
- Being used for police work, instant-response ambulance jobs, and fire brigade purposes.
- Delivering or collecting goods, loading or unloading for only as long as required, where no other practical option exists.
- Stopping briefly for passengers to get in or out (not waiting for passengers).
Authorities also don’t take action against vehicles that remain parked for the required duration when they are being used for:
- Building work, demolition, or excavation
- Waste collection by the local council
- Clearing an obstruction from the roadway
- Maintenance or installation of roads, traffic signs, or street lighting
- Work involving a sewer system or water main
- Providing utilities such as gas, electricity, water, or communication services
Final Thoughts
There are no rules that allow vehicle parking over a dropped kerb in the UK. However, the local code does mention some regulations about legalised vehicle parking, which we have discussed in detail in this write-up. You just need to follow these rules while parking, as well as remember your rights as a UK citizen regarding vehicle parking over your dropped kerb.
