Hidden parking rule warning as drivers risk £2,500 fine over common habit… don’t get caught out
A HIDDEN parking rule can see drivers stung with a £2,500 fine for a common habit that many won’t think twice about.
One expert is now warning drivers as the days become shorter and they’ll want to park closer to wherever they’re going.
Drivers are not allowed to park at night on UK roads facing against oncoming traffic – unless you’re in a parking space.
That is because during the day all drivers should have clear visibility of the road and any parked vehicles, reducing any risks of accidents.
But as soon as it goes dark drivers risk being fined for breaking the rules.
Not every house has the luxury of having their own drive, leaving some people to park their cars outside on the road.
However, if you are parking out on the road, make sure you’re aware of this little-know Highway Code rule.
Rule 248 of The Highway Code states: “You must not park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.”
Ben Pitcher, car expert and owner of DPF Experts told Somerset Live parking the wrong way at night can lead to heavy fines.
Pitcher said that your car is less visible from the front which leads to an increase in the risk of accidents.
He said: “Parking against the direction of traffic without displaying lights makes your vehicle less visible to oncoming traffic, posing a serious safety risk.
“This is a direct violation of Rule 248 of the Highway Code and can result in you paying £1,000. But if you are taken to court, the penalties can increase to £2,500.
“Parking facing the wrong direction can be very dangerous to yourself and others, especially at night.
“Your car’s lights and reflectors are designed to be most effective when parked toward traffic flow.”
Is it illegal to drive the wrong way on a one way road?
If you accidentally enter a one-way street going in the wrong direction, you should NOT reverse back out.
An investigation by The Sun found motorists could potentially face a hefty penalty for simply driving backwards on residential streets.
Drivers could be hit with a careless driving charge, which carries a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points.
The Highway Code states that “you must not reverse your vehicle further than necessary”, which is also backed up in the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
So if a police officer sees you and decides reversing out of the street could be reckless or potentially dangerous to your passengers, pedestrians or other road users, you could face a penalty.
If you continue driving in the wrong direction, you could also be fined for either failing to comply with a traffic sign or careless driving.
Instead, the best option is to pull over and wait for a safe time to turn around.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said: “We all take a wrong turn on occasion, but one of the worst ones to make is where you head in the wrong direction of a one-way street.
“Should a police officer witness you enter the one-way street incorrectly, you could be hit with a careless driving charge.
“However, they may exercise some leniency and decide that the embarrassment caused is punishment enough.”