Drivers in the UK are facing new laws which mean they could be fined up to £70 if caught out.
Those who park on pavements could be hit with the penalty if they ignore the new rule which is currently being passed through an ongoing consultation, reported Manchester Evening News.
If passed into law, the new rule would give councils the power to hand down fixed penalty notices to drivers who park on pavements.
READ MORE: Cyclists respond to Highway Code changes, 'It’s just trying to address a balance'
It's already illegal to park on pavements in London and some other areas of the UK, with Scotland bringing in a ban on pavement parking that should come into effect from 2023.
Reports say the ruling on whether a ban on pavement parking should be made into law in England and Wales could be made this year.
Whilst some drivers might think that pavement parking is only a minor offence, pavements are there to provide a safe footpath for pedestrians.
When the footpath is blocked, pedestrians might have to use the road in order to get around vehicles. The issue can be particularly dangerous for children and those with disabilities.
Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com, commented on the changes and how they could affect drivers in the coming months.
He said: “What may seem a small inconvenience to some, might be a huge hindrance to others.
“But it’s important to remember that pavements are there for the use and safety of pedestrians only, and therefore should be respected by all other road users.
“However, without a clearer understanding of the law around pavement parking, it’ll be hard to implement fines to drivers who break the rules.
“The current laws around pavement parking can be quite confusing, which is why it’s difficult at times to prosecute drivers.
“With consultations ongoing for England and Wales, with Scotland already pioneering the way to make a big change, drivers should be wary that changes could come into force sooner rather than later.
“Councils will be given a bigger responsibility and penalty charges could be issued.
“The laws around parking on pavements is just one of many new driving laws coming into effect this year, with road user safety at the forefront of each.”
More than 70 percent of drivers said they have had to park on a pavement in the past, with more than two in five saying they felt danger in doing so.
It comes after a number of changes were made in the Highway Code recently which aims to protect all road users from unnecessary danger.
One of the rules involved pavements and the potential danger cyclists and pedestrians face when travelling down them.
Rule 239 of the Highway Code states: “When using an electric vehicle charge point, you should park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians from trailing cables.
“Display a warning sign if you can. After using the charge point, you should return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to pedestrians and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users.”
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