Dropped Kerb Drama: Can You Really Park There?

The Highway Code is the go-to guide for drivers across the UK, offering essential advice on road safety and best practices when behind the wheel. From junctions to roundabouts, and from pedestrian crossings to cycle lanes, the Highway Code covers it all. However, one question that often crops up is: can you park on a dropped kerb?

The main purpose of a dropped kerb is to enable people, especially those with mobility issues or those pushing strollers, to easily cross between the footpath and the property. However, when it comes to parking on a dropped kerb, there seems to be a lot of confusion.

According to the Highway Code, drivers should avoid parking on footways or footpaths. In Rule 242, it is explicitly stated that drivers should not park on footpaths, cycle tracks, or bridleways where signs or road markings specifically prohibit such parking.

However, the Highway Code does not specifically mention dropped kerbs. As such, the question remains: is parking on a dropped kerb allowed or not? In the absence of explicit guidance, the answer largely depends on other regulatory signs or markings on the road.

If there is a clear prohibition sign - such as double yellow lines or clear road markings - against parking near a dropped kerb, drivers are strongly advised against leaving their vehicles there. This applies even if the dropped kerb seems accessible and convenient, as doing so could obstruct pedestrians and lead to possible accidents.

On the other hand, if there are no explicit signs against parking near a dropped kerb, it's up to the driver's discretion. However, drivers must be mindful of their surroundings and avoid any actions that could potentially cause a hazard to other road users or obstruct footpaths.