The problem
More cars, bigger cars, 2-3 car households the norm - all squeezed into a village built on a medieval footprint. Add genuine concerns about the passage of fire engines (and, regrettably, the occasional large lorry) and it’s no wonder that many residents are forced to park with two wheels on the pavement.
We have to say that on the whole in Brill, pavement parking is executed with consideration; motorists avoid junctions and abusing narrow pavements - but here’s what could happen if things get out of hand:
children (and others) unable to see to cross safely
wheelchair users trapped; no way forward, no room to turn, dropped kerbs blocked
buggy pushers forced out into passing traffic
damage to kerbs and pavement causing subsequent expense, trips and injury
Can we stop it?
Not by legal means - at least not routinely in England outside of London (where pavement parking is an offence subject to hefty fines).
The Highway Code (Rule 244) states that motorists “should not [park on pavements] unless signs permit it”; advice rather than command. However, Rule 242 says: "You must not leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road". Given that pavements are considered part of the highway/road, this means that if your pavement parked car is judged by a police officer to be either in a dangerous position or causing an unnecessary obstruction you could receive a fixed penalty notice.
Sledgehammers and nuts come to mind.
So, what to do?
All we can realistically do is appeal to residents to continue to park carefully - and to ask yourself these questions before locking up and walking away:
Is there any chance at all I could park on my property? If I’m a weekend visitor, could I use the windmill car park?
Am I blocking sight lines for pedestrians at a busy crossing place? Am I making it difficult for motorists to leave their properties by crowding their access?
Have I left enough pavement for two wheelchairs or buggies to pass (minimum 1.5 metres) - or is there sufficient space within 5-6 metres where they could safely manoeuvre?
THANK YOU!