Annoying driving habits that are illegal in London but not in the rest of the UK

In London, there is a specific driving misstep that could get you a fine, and it’s not even part of the wider UK law.

Park your car on any footpath in the capital and risk receiving a Penalty Notice (PCN) or, worse, having your vehicle towed.

The capital enforces these strict measures to protect pedestrians and the integrity of footpaths, which are not built to withstand the weight of vehicles.

READ MORE: Geographically accurate Old Tube map will blow your mind

Illegally parked cars are a significant culprit behind damage to London’s pavements, costing local authorities millions in repairs each year.

However, the rules differ outside of London, where pavement parking is not outright illegal. But don’t be fooled, it’s always against the law to drive on a sidewalk, regardless of whether you intend to park there.

Wondering if London’s ban extends to grassy areas?

Yes. The ban includes grass verges, central reservations, ramps to private property and pedestrian crossings.

Vehicles should be parked on the road, avoiding access points.

There are, however, exceptions. You’re in the clear if you’re parked in an area where the council has given the thumbs up, usually indicated by clearly marked white bays.

But remember, just because others have parked on the sidewalk doesn’t mean it’s allowed. Always look for signs, such as a parking “P” symbol that shows a car on the sidewalk, before assuming it’s safe to park.

There is also an exemption for loading or unloading when there is no other feasible way of making the delivery or collection. However, this is a specific exception and is only applicable when there is no loading ban.

Get the latest travel news on London’s roads, trains and buses with our new London Traffic and Travel newsletter. You can sign up HERE.