Motorists could be fined up to £2,500 for parking their vehicles on their own street due to a simple Highway Code rule many will not be aware of. Alicia Hempstead, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket explained that motorists are usually not allowed to “park against the flow of traffic” overnight.
Leaving a car facing in the wrong direction is against the rules and could lead to safety issues. Experts said cars facing the same way usually “improves visibility”, reducing the risk to other motorists behind the wheel. Specialists have warned that road users found to be breaking the rule will likely be slapped with a hefty penalty, including fines which vary between £1,000 and £2,500.
Ms Hempstead said: “Highway Code Rule 248 is a little-known but important safety rule. It means drivers must not park against the flow of traffic at night unless they’re in a marked parking bay. Breaking this rule could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 for cars, and up to £2,500 for goods vehicles or minibuses. Both the police and local councils can issue these fines.
“While this rule applies all year round, it’s especially important after the clocks go back. Darker evenings and poor weather can make it harder for other drivers to see your vehicle. Parking in the same direction as traffic helps improve visibility and keeps everyone safer on the roads.”
Rule 248 of the Highway Code clearly explains that road users “must not park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space”.
The rule is in place as vehicle lights and reflectors are designed to be more effective when parked towards the flow of traffic. Parking the wrong way around means the reflectors are not as effective and could lead to motorists missing vehicles until the last minute in a major safety hazard.
As long as motorists are following the rules, the RAC explained that road users are usually free to stop anywhere as long as signs show parking restrictions are in place.
They said: “It is perfectly legal to park outside someone’s house, unless the vehicle is blocking a driveway or a wheel is over a dropped kerb. Where no parking controls exist, drivers do not have an ‘automatic spot’ for parking outside their homes.”