I’m a parking expert – here’s why you should always carry spare change in the car to avoid 1,000 fine

A PARKING expert has warned drivers to always carry spare change to avoid a £1,000 fine.

Drivers often need coins to pay for their parking – and when they find themselves short, it’s natural to turn to a fellow driver to ask for some change.

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A motoring expert has now warned drivers they shouldn’t ask for money, as it is in fact illegal[/caption]

But a motoring expert has now warned drivers they shouldn’t ask for money, as it is in fact illegal.

Asking for money in a car park could be punishable by a grand fine or even a criminal record.

It could be considered a crime under the Vagrancy Act 1824, which outlaws begging and rough sleeping.

Motoring expert Graham Conway, from van leasing company Select Car Leasing, said: “There remain a handful of bizarre laws in this country that have the potential to land drivers in hot water.

“But this has to be one of the weirdest. Thankfully, many car park payment machines now offer the option of paying with a debit or credit card.

“There are also a range of mobile phone apps that make covering the cost of leaving your vehicle simple and efficient. But everyone knows of at least one car park that is behind the times and where you can only pay with coins.”

The 200-year-old law is not the only reason you should carry spare change. Drivers should beware of leaving their cars parked on roads if they cannot pay for a car park.

Changes to the Highway Code in January meant motorists can now face £100 for parking or waiting in certain places.

The updated rule 243 forbids stopping in specific areas, such as near schools, on bends, and where kerbs have been lowered to help wheelchair users.

Overall, the number of “dangerous parking” offences has been on the rise in recent years, according to research by Select Car Leasing.

MS10 enforcement notices are issued by the authorities for “leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position”, which includes blocking a pavement or parking on a blind bend.

The DVLA revealed that 411 of these notices were handed out in 2019, up from only 57 in 2016.

Graham said: “Parking is a longstanding bugbear of many Brits and the situation could be complicated further by an outright nationwide ban on parking on pavements.

“But while it can be frustrating at times when spaces are at a premium, it’s always worth taking a few extra minutes to make sure you are parked legally and safely.”