It might help the traffic flow but is it creating a danger for footpath users?
Parking on pavements puts everyone using the pavements at risk. Drivers often mistakenly think they are doing the right thing by keeping the road clear but fail to realise the consequences of their vehicle blocking the way for people using the footpath.
The reality is that a seemingly harmless act of parking on pavements, even for a short time, puts people in danger, making them feel vulnerable and at risk. When there is not enough room to get past, a person is forced to step out onto the road into oncoming traffic. The risk is heightened in particular for people who are visually or hearing impaired, people with mobility issues using wheelchairs and mobility scooters, those pushing prams, children, older people and those who have dementia and autism.
Parking on the pavement at a junction also blocks the view for drivers emerging from a side road, by causing an obstruction, making them unable to see oncoming vehicles, including cyclists and motorcyclists or perhaps even pedestrians.
Councillor Alan Alvey, Chairman of the Parish Council said “No one would ever intentionally block anyone’s path if they needed to use the pavement, however, some drivers are unknowingly doing that in Fawley Parish. Please would drivers be considerate and check that footpath users can easily get passed on the path”
If you are blocked by a vehicle from using the path you can report this to the police by phoning 101 or by making a report at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/. Obstruction of the footpath is an offence and contrary to Regulation 103 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.