Pavement blockers prosecuted after nuisance parking

Published: 16 September 2026 illegally parked vehicle

Park your vehicle legally in Redbridge or you could end up in court faced with a hefty fine as two car owners discovered recently. 

Redbridge Council took two people to court, in separate cases, after their vehicles were discovered illegally mounted on the pavement in Ilford, obstructing local pathways and causing a danger to pedestrians by forcing them onto the road.

Despite parking options, including the one-hour free parking available to drivers using Redbridge Council’s on-street pay and display bays, the cars were instead parked unlawfully causing a nuisance to others.

The vehicle in the first case, a grey BMW, was parked unattended outside a shop in Ilford Lane, where a Redbridge Enforcement Officer saw it was illegally covering a third of the pavement width  - restricting street space for pedestrians.

The vehicle in the second case, a black Nissan, was parked unattended outside Becketts House, Ilford Hill, where another Redbridge Enforcement Officer saw it was illegally fully mounted on the pavement, covering the complete width of it - making it virtually impossible for anyone with a mobility scooter, wheelchair or pram to get by.

In both incidents the parked cars caused a serious obstruction and danger to pedestrians, including parents with young children, disabled and vulnerable people and local shoppers trying to pass by, especially when forced to go onto busy roads to get around the obstruction.

The Enforcement Team issued each vehicle owner with a legal notice requiring them  to identify the driver or person in charge of the vehicles at the time of the offence. After failing to respond within the specified time, the team initiated court action separately against each of the owners.

Redbridge Cabinet Member for Enforcement, Community Safety and Cohesion, Cllr Sunny Brar said: “We want to make it easy for people to use our high streets and support local businesses that’s why we have provided an hour free parking in our on-street pay and display bays, and there are also car parks available across Redbridge. There are plenty of options for drivers. Those who park dangerously and illegally will have enforcement action taken against them. Pedestrians, including parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users, older residents and anyone with mobility difficulties, deserve to walk safely on our footpaths and vehicle obstructions can turn a simple journey into a dangerous one.  We are determined to keep our streets accessible for everyone and won’t tolerate those who flout the rules and put our residents in harm's way.”

Both vehicle owners were charged with failing to comply with the legal notice issued to them and following the successful court prosecution last month were handed hefty court fines: 

·       The grey BMW owner was fined and ordered to pay Court and the Council’s costs, totalling £744.    

·       The black Nissan owner was fined and ordered to pay Court and Council costs totalling £1,091

Local parent Rosaria is a keen walker and welcomed the council led prosecution. The mum-of-two from Hainault said: “I think it’s great the council is taking these types of cases to court and I hope it makes people think twice about the way they park. I love walking with my children so it’s really frustrating seeing cars parked up on the pavement. It means less space for us, especially if I’m coming back from shopping with my hands full with bags and kids to keep an eye on. I don’t really want them going onto a busy road just to get around a selfishly parked car. It costs nothing to be a considerate driver – we all need to be able to use the space on the street.” 

On-street parking - Pay and Display

Did you know you can park free for one hour in Redbridge Council on-street pay and display bays? The free session can only be used once per day, and you must have an active parking session with RingGo. Find out more: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-and-on-street-parking/

Spotted a vehicle causing an obstruction in Redbridge? You can easily report it to the council’s Enforcement Team on https://eforms.redbridge.gov.uk/report-illegal-parking/

Spotted a street scene issue? From untidy front gardens and fly-tips to missed bin collections, potholes and more, report them easily at the touch of a button through the Council’s Love Clean Streets App. Find out more: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/report-it/love-clean-streets-app