Here is a response I have just received from Nottingham police to the question " Are your vehicles legally allowed to park on the pavement"
Parking of our vans on the pavement
The parking of our Traffic Safety Camera vehicles whilst using the camera equipment to influence driver behaviour is carefully controlled. The activity has been risk assessed not only with the safety of our staff in mind but also the motoring and other users of the highway, including pedestrians. We always allow at least room for a person with a pushchair or disabled person in a wheelchair to pass the van with ease. Enforcement operations are carried out by two Traffic Support Officers, one of whom is responsible for ensuring free passage along the pavement by pedestrians. If it is apparent that someone is having difficulty in passing the van then they are instructed to move the vehicle to alleviate the problem.
There is stated case law on this issue and there is no such thing as a partial/potential obstruction. An obstruction only exists if someone is actually obstructed. In consideration of this, staff do monitor this situation constantly with a view to moving the vehicle without delay if a problem arises. What amounts to an obstruction is a question of fact for the magistrates to decide in each case (Wade v Grange [1977], see also DPP v Jones (Margaret) [1999]. In arriving at that decision they will have regard to, amongst other things: ‘the length of time the obstruction continued, the place where it occurred, the purpose for which it was done and whether it caused an actual as opposed to a potential obstruction’ (Lord Parker CJ in Nagy v Weston [1965].
All Parking Regulation orders in force throughout the county contain an exemption applicable to any Police vehicle which is being used for a police purpose where the restriction would be likely to hinder the use of that vehicle in fulfilling that purpose, and which is taking all reasonable precautions
Regards,
Dave Hibbert
Performance and Ops Supervisor
NSCP
OS(TM)
david.hibbert@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk
www.nottinghamshire.police.ukMake of it what you will, but for me it's the same result as if you cross a bulldog with a shitzu