Drivers hunting for a roadside parking spot may find themselves caught out by an obscure parking regulation that could lead to fines, even when there are no double yellow lines or obvious obstructions.
Many motorists wrongly assume ‘double parking’ only refers to blocking another car in, but some people can breach the rules simply by parking next to the kerb incorrectly.
According to The Highway Code: “You must not leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.”
A car improperly parked on the road with “no part of the vehicle is within 50cm of the edge of the carriageway (kerb line)” could prompt the issuance of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). This means you must park within 50cm of the kerb – roughly the width of a wheelie bin lid.
There is an exception if the car is “wholly within a marked parking bay”, which means that you should always double check that your car is completely within the lines when you’re parked up.
Some drivers will park on some or all of the pavement, which is technically only illegal in London and Scotland. However, if you’re obstructing the pavement, you could still face a fine in some areas.
There are ongoing discussions about making pavement parking illegal across England, but no definitive date has been set.
The cost of PCNs can vary depending on the area, typically ranging from £50-80. Some councils offer up to 50% discounts if the fine is paid within 14 days, but additional charges may be added if it’s not paid within a month.
Those who fail to pay their PCN can be taken to court, potentially adding hundreds more to the cost. It’s also one of the most common reasons for receiving a County Court Judgment (CCJ), which can negatively affect your credit score.
