A Guide to Parking in the UK

Where and when you can and can't park your car

Published: 22 May 2023
Category:
- Guides & Education

Whether you are a perfect parker or consider parking to be a problem, then we can lend you a helping hand when it comes to the rules of parking in the UK.

With so many parking rules and regulations in place, understanding where and when you can park can be a minefield. From on-street parking rules to restricted parking zones, we explain everything you need to know about parking in the UK via our dedicated guide. Read on to find out more…

The Highway Code parking rules

No matter if you’re a first-time driver or seasoned motorist, it can be all too easy to forget the handbook of motoring. So let us refresh your mind; The Highway Code explains its parking rules laid out in points 238 to 252 of the handbook under the section ‘waiting and parking’.

There’s a lot of information to digest, but the main points to remember about UK parking restrictions are:

General Parking Rules

SINGLE YELLOW LINES. Drivers are allowed to wait or park for very brief periods of time on single yellow lines before being moved on.
DOUBLE YELLOW LINES. Drivers are prohibited from parking on double yellow lines at any time, regardless of whether or not there are signs present.
DOUBLE WHITE LINES. Drivers must not wait or park on double white lines, but are permitted to stop briefly in order to pick up or drop off passengers, or to load or unload goods - unless road signs state otherwise.
RED LINES & RED ROUTES. Drivers must not wait or park on roads with red lines or those designated as red routes, unless road signs say otherwise.
CONTROLLED PARKING ZONES. Drivers must not wait or park in areas designated as controlled parking zones, other than the times displayed on associated signage.
CLEARWAYS & URBAN CLEARWAYS. Drivers must not stop or park on areas designated as clearways and urban clearways during certain hours advertised on nearby road signs - unless picking up or dropping off passengers.
SCHOOL ENTRANCE MARKINGS. Drivers must not stop, wait or park on markings to school entrances at certain times as shown on nearby signage.

MOTORWAY HARD SHOULDER. Drivers must not park on a hard shoulder and should only ever stop if it’s an emergency.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING. Drivers must not stop or park on a pedestrian crossing or the areas marked by zigzag lines either side.
TAXI BAYS. Drivers must not stop or park in bays designated for taxi drivers which will be identified by signage.
BUS STOPS. Drivers must not stop or park in a bus stop.
TRAIN & TRAM CROSSINGS. Drivers must not stop or park on, or the approach to a level crossing for a train or tram at any time.
CYCLE LANES. Drivers must not stop or park in lanes designated for exclusive use of cyclists.
MOTORCYCLE BAYS. Car and van drivers must not park in spaces designed for motorbikes and mopeds.
DISABLED BAYS. Drivers must not park in spaces reserved for Blue Badge holders, unless entitled to do so.
RESIDENT BAYS. Drivers must not park in spaces designed for the exclusive use of residents, unless they have a permit.

It’s also important to be aware that as a driver you must not stop or park in the following places:

Anywhere that would prevent the emergency services from accessing
On a bend
Within 10 metres of, or opposite a junction
On or near the brow of a hill or bridge
On or opposite a roundabout or traffic island
In an area where the kerb has been lowered for wheelchair users
In front of the entrance to a property
Anywhere that it would cause an obstruction of the road
Partially or wholly on a pavement in London (unless signage says otherwise)

What is the difference between on-street parking and off-street parking?

On-street parking is quite literally how it’s described; parking a vehicle along the street or in designated bays along the side of a road. Off-street parking refers to bays and spaces provided within a public car park or private parking lot.

On-street parking rules explained

Finding a parking space in town can be difficult at the best of times and also prove expensive too. Many motorists instead prefer to choose on-street parking rather than opting for a shopping centre car park or multi-storey parking facilities, but there are rules to be aware of…

Depending on the type of on-street parking you choose, spaces will be either free or need paying for - there will also be resident permit spaces and those designated for Blue Badge holders to watch out for too. Also be aware of parking bays designed for the exclusive use of electric vehicles (EVs). Remember that spaces may be restricted to time limits, so always check the nearby signs to be sure.

The Highway Code recommends rules for parking and the Road Traffic Act enforces parking restrictions that can result in prosecution if not obeyed. Of course there’s parking etiquette to be considered too. Here are the top 10 expectations of you as a driver parking on the road:

Park closely to the kerb
Always apply the handbrake (if applicable)
Put the car into ‘park’ mode (if applicable)
Turn your wheel into the kerb when parking downhill
Turn your wheel away from the kerb when parking uphill
Leave your car in reverse gear when parking downhill
Leave your car in forward gear when parking uphill
Do not park against the flow of traffic
Do not park too closely to wheelchair accessible vehicles
Check for vehicles, pedestrians and other road users when opening doors

What is Decriminalised Parking Enforcement?

Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (also known as DPE) is part of Road Traffic Act legislation in the UK. Enforced by Traffic Wardens and parking attendants up and down the country, DPE facilitates the issuing of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to drivers who flout parking rules.

Penalty charge notice

A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is issued by traffic wardens working for the local council who monitor the parking on public land; be it a high street or car park.

Parking Charge Notice

A Parking Charge Notice (PCN) is issued by parking attendants on behalf of private landowners or parking companies who own spaces such as supermarket car parks.

Fixed Penalty Notice

A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) is issued by the police for obstructive or dangerous parking. These are usually given to drivers caught parking on red routes, zig zag areas (like those at pedestrian crossings) and double yellow lines.

Red route penalty charge notice

A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will be issued to any driver disregarding the rules of red routes. Making up 5% of London’s roads, red routes are in place to ensure deliveries can be made efficiently and to keep traffic flowing throughout the city.

If you are caught stopping, waiting or parking on a red route, you could be issued with a PCN of £160. If paid within 14-days, the fine will reduce to £80.

Parking in the UK FAQs

When it comes to parking in the UK, we’ve answered your most frequently asked questions…

Can you park on any street in the UK?

There are no laws to state which streets you can and can’t park on, as long as they are open to the public, clear of yellow, white and red lines or any other markings which prohibit drivers from parking on them.

Can I park where there are no lines in the UK?

Within reason and where it is safe to do so, you can park on a road where there are no lines or markings. Ensure you do not do this on a main road, at a junction, on a hill, or any other area that could be obstructive.

Can you park on zigzag lines?

No, drivers are not permitted to park in areas with zigzag markings on the road. This is because they are in place to highlight an area where pedestrians are present, such as a zebra crossing or school entrance.

Is it illegal to double park in the UK?

It is not illegal to double park across two spaces, but it is not driver etiquette and could prove problems for other motorists - especially Blue Badge holders who rely on plenty of space around their vehicle.

Is it illegal to park on the kerb in the UK?

Depending on the area in which you park, it may be illegal to park up on the kerb. In London, it is illegal to partially or wholly block the pavement with a vehicle. In England and Wales, it is possible for councils to enforce what’s called a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to any driver that shows disregard for parking on the kerb.

Is it illegal to park across a driveway in the UK?

Not only is it a nuisance to park across someone else’s driveway, but it is illegal too. Even parking slightly over a dropped kerb or the driveway of a private residence can result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

Is it illegal to park on a private road in the UK?

Even though you may be able to access a private road by car, parking on one can be considered a form of trespassing and result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

What lines mean no parking?

Drivers cannot park in areas with single or double yellow lines, double white lines or red lines. Doing so can result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

What are restricted parking zones in the UK?

A Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) is an area which is restricted to drivers during certain hours who need to park, wait or load.

How long can a car be parked in the UK without moving it?

As long as a vehicle is taxed and insured, and not breaking any parking rules, it can be parked there for as long as needed.

What’s the law about parking on corners in the UK?

As long as it is not deemed dangerous, there is no law to stop drivers from parking on a corner, although by rules laid out in The Highway Code, it is strongly advised that drivers refrain from doing so.

Electric car parking spaces

With more and more electric vehicles (EVS) on our roads, you will no doubt see an increase in parking bays designated to cars that need charging. These are for the strict use of electric cars and can only be used when a driver needs to charge the battery. Read our complete guide to the rules of parking in electric car spaces to find out more.