Takeaway drivers in Harrow could soon face fines for parking their mopeds on pavements while picking up deliveries. 

An increase in residents’ complaints has prompted Harrow Council to crack down on delivery drivers blocking roads and walkways.   

It is working with businesses and police to create designated town centre parking areas for the drivers.  

Those caught parking on the pavement could be fined by council enforcement officers who will patrol the town centre to ensure the new rules are being followed.

Cllr Peymana Assad, lead councillor for community cohesion, crime and enforcement at Harrow Council, said: "We don’t want to stop anyone doing their job, but we need to ensure the safety of everyone using the town centre. 

"We’ve worked with the delivery companies to make sure riders are aware of where they can safely wait so paths are clear for visitors and those at home still get their takeaways. Everyone wins."

During the Covid-19 pandemic there was a marked increase in the number of people using takeaway services, with some relying on home deliveries because of lockdown restrictions. 

The council said the number of fast food deliveries went up by almost a quarter during the pandemic, with one in 12 people using a home takeaway service for the first time. 

While there have been some benefits to this, the council said there have been an increase in the number of complaints about scooters and mopeds blocking pavements when they are picking up and dropping off orders. 

Harrow already has a borough-wide public spaces protection order in place which bans driving over kerbs, grass verges and pavements. 

Those who break these rules could be given a £100 fixed-penalty notice, which could rise to £1,000 if left unpaid or there are repeat offences. 

The council urged residents to report instances of nuisance mopeds via its website.