Motorists are being urged to exercise caution when selecting where to park, as numerous less well-known locations should be avoided. According to the Highway Code, there are various places where stopping is prohibited - and breaching these rules could result in penalties.
Challenges of Parking in the UK
Locating somewhere to park or pull over across Britain can prove more challenging than it sounds. With heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours, and a shortage of designated parking bays, the experience can be exasperating.
The RAC has published a comprehensive list on its website detailing all the locations where parking is forbidden in the UK, drawing from the Highway Code. While acknowledging that using an official car park is ideal, the organisation recognises this isn't always feasible.
It said: "Of course, the most obvious place to park would be in a designated parking bay, either in a car park or at the side of the road. These will be marked by a large white 'P' on a blue background, usually alongside the parking area and on directional signage.
"Some parking bays will be free, while others will need to be paid for and some might have restrictions for what type of vehicle can park there. There may also be restrictions on time limits or exclusions for those without permits - it's always worth checking the signs for more information before leaving your car.
"Parking outside of a car park is sometimes the only resort, but can be a minefield if you don't know the rules - here we look at where you can and can't park and what time restrictions might apply."
Obvious No-Parking Zones
To begin with, the organisation highlighted some of the most obvious locations where parking is prohibited, which may be indicated by warning signage. These encompass double yellow lines, single yellow lines during specific hours, and double red lines.
Beyond this, motorists should also avoid clearways (identified by a red cross overlaying a blue circle), loading bays, reserved parking spots, yellow zig-zag markings (situated outside schools, hospitals, or fire, police or ambulance stations), and white zig-zag lines.
It also clarified that parking outside someone's residence is permitted unless the vehicle obstructs a driveway or a wheel extends over a dropped kerb. Additionally, drivers "must not" park partially or entirely on the pavement in London and Scotland, and ought not to do so elsewhere unless signage allows it.
The 18 Specific Locations to Avoid
On top of the points above, The Highway Code stipulates you must not stop or park in the following 18 locations, except when compelled to do so by stationary traffic:
- Close to a school entrance
- Anywhere that would prevent access for emergency vehicles
- On a bus or tram stop, or a taxi rank
- On the approach to a level crossing
- Opposite or within 32 feet of a junction, except in an authorised parking bay
- Near the brow of a hill or humpback bridge
- Opposite a traffic island or another parked vehicle (if it causes an obstruction)
- Where you would force another vehicle to enter a tram lane
- Where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair and mobility vehicle users
- In front of an entrance to a property
- On a bend
- Where you would obstruct a cycle lane
- A tram or cycle lane during its period of operation
- A cycle track
- A pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zig-zag lines
- On the carriageway or the hard shoulder of a motorway (except in an emergency)
- Taxi bays (as directed by the upright signs and road markings)
- A road marked with central double white lines, even if a broken white line is on your side of the road, except for dropping off, picking up, loading or unloading.
Legal Consequences
While the Highway Code isn't legally binding in itself, you can face prosecution for breaching its rules. The RAC said: "The Highway Code isn't the law, but many of its rules are in fact legal requirements under the Roads Traffic Act, which you can be prosecuted for contravening. You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence, disqualified from driving, or even sent to prison." For further details, visit the RAC website.
