Parking in the UK
The UK, with its high density of vehicles, has a number of parking issues that have needed to be addressed. Most family units now have two cars and an increasing number have a third vehicle, which in fact means that there are more automobiles than drivers. Over the years this has led to a proliferation of parking rules and regulations, which apply to both off road and on road parking.
When parking off road, which includes car parks, retail parks and service areas, there are several points to be remembered. Firstly, it is important to identify whether there is a cost involved. For car parking in major towns and cities, such as London there will almost certainly be a charge, which is usually determined by the length of stay. However, there are some car parks where there may be a free parking period, for example two hours. If you outstay this period you might be fined. It is important to read the instruction signs to determine what the rules are for each car park you enter. Another point to remember is that if you do not park carefully a within designated parking bay, which causes part of your vehicle to stray over the line of the next bay, you may also be fined.
With off road parking it is also important to ensure that you are not parking on private property. For instance, if you are parking at a restaurant, public house or retailer's private car park and not using the facilities it is likely that you might find your vehicle being wheel clamped, requiring a significant cost to be paid for its release. These costs can be as high as 100 ($160).
On road parking restrictions can best be explained in terms of their impact upon two areas of driving, these being open road and urban parking.
Open road parking
Most of the UK dual carriageways and other country roads have certain parking restrictions. There are restrictions that are obvious and others not so obvious. In terms of the obvious these are identified by a variety of coloured lines that run along the nearside of the road.
If there is a broken white line, this means that it is possible to park as long as all other factors are favourable, for example where such an act does not cause an obstruction. Where the white line is continuous parking is limited to need and safety. Making deliveries or allowing passengers to alight are considered to fall within this category. Unbroken red lines denote an area where stopping or parking is forbidden at any time and violation of this code constitutes a driving offence.
Parking on a UK motorway hard shoulder, which is a designated area to the left of the main carriageway, is illegal at any time, except in the case of an emergency. This emergency has to be a mechanical failure rather than a personal emergency such as a rest break.
With regard to the non-obvious parking restrictions on the open road, these are centred on common sense, although breaches in these areas can lead to prosecution. In this case it is a question of ensuring when parking that the positioning of your vehicle will not cause an obstruction to other road users or create a hazard. An example of this would be parking close to the brow of a hill or a blind corner, which can cause following drivers to cross into the path of oncoming traffic with no real sight of the road ahead.
Urban parking
Parking restrictions in urban districts are far more complex and easily misunderstood. However, where there is no painted line at the nearside of the road, it is safe to assume that parking restrictions are not applicable providing to do so will not cause an obstruction.
Most other parking restrictions in urban areas are indicated by a series of yellow lines. A single yellow line indicates that this is an area where commercial vehicles can stop for delivery and loading purposes. This provision does not apply to passenger vehicles, although in exceptional circumstances the parking wardens might allow a few minutes grace if there is a need to collect or deliver large goods to a retailer or commercial location.
Double yellow lines prohibit parking at any time and for any reason. Anyone caught breaking this rule will be immediately is issued with a fine notice. It should also be noted that unless the fine is paid within the prescribed notice period, it is likely to be increased and can lead to a court case against the driver, which will dramatically increase costs.
Another parking issue within urban locations in the UK is related to public transport, specifically buses. This traffic has special reserved lanes in many of the UK towns and cities. It is an offence to park in these lanes at any time.
It is important when visiting the UK to be aware of the various parking issues that are enforceable in this country and contravention of these rules can be expensive and, in extreme cases of abuse, lead to the removal of the offending vehicle, adding to the cost of the offence.
