With deteriorating road conditions and increasing numbers of cars on the roads, not to mention ever more housing with insufficient parking, on-road parking can be a huge challenge.
Most people living and using the roads in the UK will know that you are not supposed to park on double yellow lines. However, it is easy for those rules to blur with age as well as increasing pressures on the roads. Here, we recap what you need to know about where you can park – and when.
Yellow lines
It is very unlikely to live in the UK and not be aware that you should not usually park on double yellow lines. In general, yellow lines are used to promote road safety and allow for the steady flow of traffic in areas of high congestions. But not all yellow lines are equal.
Double yellow lines mean that parking is strictly prohibited. On rare occasions, the restrictions may be time specific; in this case, there will be signs specifying when they are enforceable. If you don’t see a sign, assume that parking is banned at all times.
Single yellow lines are a little more flexible. In general, parking on single yellow lines is only banned at specific times of day – usually during peak hours. There will generally be a sign telling you when these times are. In the absence of a sign, restrictions are usually between 8 am and 6 pm but these are set by the local council, so it is best to check rather than risk it. In addition, some local authorities allow parking on single yellow lines at weekends and public holidays.
Exceptions
Most rules have exceptions, and it is important to know if they might apply to you. People with a blue badge or disabled parking permit may be able to treat double yellow lines in the same way as non-badge holders treat single yellows, that is, they can park on double yellows at particular times of the day. However, if parking on double yellow lines it is essential that the driver does not obstruct the road or leave their vehicle in a dangerous location, regardless of whether or not they have a parking permit.
The only other time that it is legally acceptable to park on double yellow lines is if you are dropping off passengers or loading or unloading a vehicle, provided that you are quick (less than 20 minutes) and it is safe to stop for a short time.
Understanding the rules
Understanding the Highway Code is a central element of learning to drive. If you are unsure of the rules, or you have recently moved to the country, invest in a highway code book, or get a few refresher driving lessons to help to keep you and others safe on the road. Advanced driving lessons are advantageous as not only do they increase your confidence and safety, but they could also lead to reduced insurance premiums. For more information, contact a local driving instructor.
For guidance on staying safe on the road, follow Trust A Garage on Facebook or X.