Pavements

Pavements are constructed for public use and Hertfordshire County Council, as a highway authority and the Police have a responsibility to keep them safe.

There is an agreement between the Council and Hertfordshire County Council under which the Borough Council deals with some parking issues.  Residents can report issues regarding pavements to the appropriate organisation.

Reporting

Reporting issues to Hertfordshire Highways

The issues related to the list below should be reported to Hertfordshire Highways:

• damaged footpath
• damaged carriageway
• highway signs
• public utility trench works, for example BT, Nynex, SEC etc 
• winter gritting

Hertfordshire Highways can be contacted by phone or online - 01438 737320

Or click here to link to the online reporting.

Reporting issues to Stevenage Borough Council:

The issues related to the list below should be reported to the Council:

• street name plates
• private hedge overhanging footpath
• highway enforcement (A-boards, obstruction on highway)

The Council can be contacted by phone - 01438 242172.

Click here to complete an online report

Reporting issues to the Police

Vehicles parked on pavements causing an obstruction should be reported to the Police.  The exception to this is where there are waiting restrictions on the adjacent roadway in which case the nuisance should be reported to the Borough Council on the number given in the contact details above.

The Police can be contacted on - 0845 33 00 222

What action does the Council take against pavement parking?

If there are waiting restrictions (yellow lines) on the highway adjacent to the pavement then a Penalty Charge Notice would be issued since a vehicle parked in this manner is in contravention of the traffic order.  Waiting restrictions cover the highway from centre of highway to back of footpath.

If there are no waiting restrictions on the highway adjacent to the pavement, then the Council has no powers to take action and this should be taken up with the Police since it constitutes obstruction.

Why is pavement parking a problem?

As pavements are constructed and provided for pedestrian use, vehicles parked on pavements are:

• a hazard to pedestrians - causing an obstruction which may result in them having to step off the pavement onto the highway thus putting themselves in danger
• a hazard by restricting the width of the pavement - making it difficult for someone with a pushchair of wheelchair to pass safely possibly forcing a person to step into the highway to avoid the obstruction
• a hazard due to the damage caused by driving on and off the pavement, i.e. broken flags etc.