Motorists are being warned that parking against the direction of traffic at night could lead to a fine of up to £1,000. The reminder comes as evenings begin to draw in, with many drivers unaware of the potential penalty.
What the Rule Says
Rule 248 of the Highway Code states that drivers must not park on a road at night facing against the direction of traffic flow, unless they are in a recognised parking space. Lee Caroline, motoring expert at Surrey car scrap company LJC Auto Spares, said it was an easy rule to overlook, particularly on residential streets where drivers may simply pull into the nearest available space.
He said: "It's not something most people think about when they're parking. If there's a space outside your house, you tend to pull into it without considering which direction the car is facing."
"But once it gets dark, that direction matters. If you're facing the wrong way, the car isn't being presented to approaching traffic in the way the rules require."
Why Direction Matters
The rule is not about which direction is more convenient for getting out in the morning. It is about making parked vehicles easier for other drivers to see.
Lee said: "Your rear reflectors are there for a reason. When another car approaches, its headlights can pick up those reflectors and make the parked vehicle more obvious."
"If you've parked facing the other way, the driver coming towards you isn't getting that same reflection from the back of your car. On a dark or poorly lit road, that's not something you want to rely on."
Penalties and How to Avoid Them
Motorists could face a fine of up to £1,000 for breaking the rule. The potential penalty can rise to £2,500 for goods vehicles and passenger vehicles carrying more than eight people.
Lee's advice is to take a second before walking away from a car parked on the street at night. He said: "Just look at the direction you're facing. If you're parked on the road rather than in a marked parking space, you should be facing the same way as the traffic."
"It takes seconds to check and it's a much better habit to get into than finding out about the rule because you've received a fine."
