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UK Parking Laws Explained

Reading time 4 minutes • Last updated on February 26th, 2021

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UK Parking Laws Explained

Last updated on February 26th, 2021What does this mean?

Once you’ve passed your driving test, all the theory starts to fade away and the reality of the roads hits. Whether you’re a new driver or you’ve been driving for decades, when it comes to parking the rules might be a little hazy.

It’s a nightmare to come back to your car and find a parking ticket, or worse: to find it has been towed, so in this installment of our Driving Law Series, we’ll outline some of the most common UK parking laws and explain how you can steer clear of any fines or penalties.

UK parking laws explained infographic

What do double red parking lines mean?

Red lines are there to indicate a ‘red route’, which means that stopping to park, unload or let passengers out is strictly prohibited. ‘Red routes’ are usually routes which are busy, with any stoppages likely causing mayhem for the constant flow of traffic.

Only licensed taxis or those with Blue Badges can ever park on double red lines.

Is it legal to park on a hill?

Parking on a hill is perfectly legal as long as it is not near the brow of the hill. There are however, a few things to keep in mind for how you park:

  • Always park close to the kerb and apply your handbrake
  • Facing uphill: put the car in forward gear and turn wheel away from the kerb
  • Facing downhill: put car in reverse gear and turn wheel towards the kerb

These rules are not hard and fast, but are mainly recommended for parking at night.

Is it legal to park where there isn’t a kerb?

Technically, according to the highway code you aren’t allowed to stop where a kerb is lowered. This is to keep easy access for wheelchair and mobility device users.

Can I park on the pavement in London?

It is strictly prohibited to park wholly or even partially on pavements in London, as this can obstruct the path of pedestrians as well as wheelchair users. Only where signs indicate you can park on the pavement should you actually do so.

How close can I park to a junction?

Because of how busy junctions can get, and because of the visibility required to make them safe for drivers, you should never park opposite or within 32 feet of any junction. Only where there are authorised parking spaces provided are you legally allowed to park near junctions.

How do I know what parking restrictions are in place?

Sometimes it can be hard to discern whether you can park in certain places. Yellow lines mean no parking, while single yellow lines indicate that parking is prohibited at particular times. Aside from this, where there are no lines, the best way to find out about parking restrictions is to check the signage and the times at the location itself.

Other areas you cannot park include:

There are some of the more common questions regarding parking, but you can find more information about parking rules and restrictions on the government’s Highway Code section here.

The Windscreen Company

If your windscreen has been damaged or cracked while parked on the road, don’t put off remedying the issue – it could be illegal to drive, will only get worse and can cause serious accidents when it does. At The Windscreen Company we have a specialist team operating around the clock to help get you back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.

Contact our friendly team today for more details or to book your vehicle in for repairs or a replacement.

All statistics and figures were taken from independent research not carried out by The Windscreen Company and were correct at the date of publishing.

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The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.

The information within this article was accurate on the date the article was last updated based on the information that was openly available on the topic online. The Windscreen Company accepts no liability for any loss or damage caused by or connected with any error or omission in this article. You should make your own judgement in regards to use of this document and seek professional advice on your particular circumstances.

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