Park or drive on pavements and face a fine - police warn

EAST Devon drivers are being warned they face being fined if caught parking on the pavement.

EAST Devon drivers are being warned they face being fined if caught parking on the pavement.

Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police are warning drivers that they could be endangering lives by parking on pavements.

Parking on pavements is an illegal obstruction of the highway which can cause problems for people with poor eyesight and mobility difficulties, and if on a pavement near a school it can also make it difficult for schoolchildren to see oncoming vehicles when crossing the road.

It can put pedestrians, wheelchair users and people with pushchairs at risk if they are forced into the road.

Where there are restrictions such as No Waiting, No Loading, Limited Waiting and marked bays, such as disabled bays, drivers can be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) by Civil Enforcement Officers. However, if the vehicle is causing an obstruction then it is a Police matter.

Police neighbourhood teams are handing out warning leaflets in some cases, and making a note of vehicle registrations of offenders. In areas where laws are continually breached, or for particularly serious breaches, action will be taken and offenders could receive a Fixed Penalty with a fine of up to �30. They may also have their vehicle removed and the cost of removal will have to be paid by the car owner before it is released back to them. This is in addition to the �30 fixed penalty fine. They could also be charged for the costs of repairing damage to the pavements and any service cables or pipes under the surface.

Driving along the pavement is also an offence which carries a fine of up to �1,000.