JTH: I've re-read both of BR's descriptions of the path and I'm confident that this post relates to using the footpath alongside a road and then encountering a car across the end of it when attempting to cross at a junction.
Barry: Under common law, a footpath that is freely available for the public to use (whether that be a public footpath across a field or a footpath alongside of a road) is classed as a 'highway'. Obstructing any highway (where that be by placing an unauthorised skip on a road or, as in this case, blocking the free movement of pedestrians on a footpath) is a criminal offence, with a maximum penalty of a 'Level 3' fine (which currently means a fine of £1000).