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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers must adhere to key nighttime parking rule - or risk 'fine up to £1,000'
Albeit a lesser-known rule, it's put in place to avoid serious mishaps and road accidents. Parking at pedestrian crossings, taxi ranks and prohibited double yellow lines are all big no-nos that most drivers are aware of. But there's a lesser-known nighttime parking rule that might have slipped under your radar. Believe it or not, this specifically regards leaving your car facing oncoming traffic during twilight hours. Although it may seem like a minor detail, it actually breaches Rule 248 in the Highway Code, and drivers who do not comply could face a hefty fine. Official guidance from Ask the Police delves into this rule a little further, explaining that it only applies if your vehicle is not parked in a recognised space. "You must not park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space," its advice reads. "All vehicles must display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (48 km/h)." In a similar vein, car leasing experts at Flexed also add: "Motorists who park the wrong way on a road could be risking a fine of up to £1,000 without really knowing that they've broken the rule. "According to the Highway Code, drivers must park the same way as the flow of traffic at night if a marked parking space is not being used." While Rule 248 does not explain what a 'recognised parking space' is, specialists suggest that it generally refers to marked bays. So, parking the 'wrong way' on a yellow line outside controlled hours or on a road with no markings could result in a fine. Albeit a lesser-known rule, it's put in place to avoid serious mishaps and road accidents. Josh The Driver Instructor, which offers online driving test materials, also adds: "Drivers are required to park in the same direction as the flow of traffic if a marked parking space is not being used at night. "There is however a problem with this rule in that it is not well known by UK motorists. In accordance with the Highway Code, the purpose of this rule is to prevent drivers from parking against the traffic on unlit roads, since this could result in serious accidents, which could have serious consequences." Besides parking errors, there are numerous other overlooked driving rules that motorists should be aware of too. Specialists at previously told the Liverpool Echo that significant windscreen smears are actually against the 1986 Road Vehicles Regulations. This is listed under annex six of the rulebook, which reads: "Take special care that lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, demisters, wipers, washers and any audible warning systems are all working. "Also lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear... [and] windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision." Further advice from the RAC adds: "The Highway Code states that drivers should have a full view of the road ahead and glass should be maintained in a good condition. "A cracked windscreen can obscure driver view - if a motorist is stopped, it could result in a fixed penalty of three points on their licence and a fine. If you're driving with a cracked windscreen and you have an accident, you could be charged with a more serious driving offence. The accident could be your responsibility because you were driving with a damaged windscreen." Drivers who lack a clear view of the traffic or road ahead may reportedly face a £1,000 fine, three penalty points, and a discretionary disqualification. Those driving goods and commercial vehicles, such as bus and coach drivers, with obstructed windscreen views could face an even steeper fine of £2,500.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
What you should do if someone parks on your driveway - and options for towing
Although it may be difficult, property owners are usually encouraged to resolve these situations tactfully For homeowners constantly irritated by strangers using their driveway as an impromptu car park, the 'correct response' might seem a bit hazy. It raises the question: is this situation covered by the Highway Code, or should the police be called in? Recent changes to the Highway Code have introduced a 'hierarchy' of road users, placing more responsibility on drivers of larger vehicles to protect other, more vulnerable road users. Within its guidelines, Rules 239 to 252 outline the do's and don'ts regarding parking. Rule 243 is clear-cut, stating that drivers must not stop or park 'in front of an entrance to a property'. However, current laws don't specifically categorise parking on someone else's driveway without permission as a criminal offence, according to Lancs Live. As such, homeowners are advised to deal with these situations tactfully. This could involve politely asking the driver to move their vehicle or leaving a polite note on the windscreen if the owner can't be located straight away. Trespassing - which includes unauthorised parking on private property - is often considered a civil rather than a criminal issue. According to SomersetLive, this means the police only rarely get involved with vehicles parked on private driveways. However, local councils might intervene to have a vehicle removed if it seems to have been abandoned. Alternatively, if you come back to discover a car obstructing your driveway, this potentially breaks the law, and motorists could face penalties. Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) powers allow local councils to issue fines for vehicles that prevent someone from entering or leaving their property. Online resource Ask the Police provides further advice on this matter. Its specialists suggest: "If the vehicle is blocking access to your driveway you should first make enquiries with the neighbours to see if they know who the car belongs to, so they can move it." They also add: "In most areas local councils have now taken on responsibility for enforcing parking provisions under what is known as Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE). Under CPE, it's an offence to park a vehicle that blocks a dropped kerb driveway." The process differs according to local council guidelines and might require reporting directly to the local authority or, where council-enforced CPE doesn't exist, contacting local police. It is noted that: "The police/council policy for dealing with such matters may vary between forces/councils. Some police forces may only attend if your car has been blocked in and you cannot get out." For additional details on parking regulations, you can visit Ask the Police here.
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Is it an offence to park on someone's drive? Everything you need to know
Homeowners are often advised to solve these situations diplomatically - but this is not always possible For homeowners constantly irked by strangers using their driveway as an impromptu car park, the 'correct response' might seem a bit hazy. It raises the question: is this situation covered by the Highway Code, or should the police be called in? Recent changes to the Highway Code have introduced a pecking order of road users that places more responsibility on drivers of larger vehicles to protect other, more vulnerable road users. Within its guidelines, Rules 239 to 252 outline the do's and don'ts regarding parking. Rule 243 is crystal clear, stating that drivers must not stop or park 'in front of an entrance to a property'. However, current laws don't specifically label parking on someone else's driveway without permission as a criminal offence, according to Lancs Live. Therefore, homeowners are advised to handle these situations tactfully - perhaps by kindly asking the driver to move their vehicle or by leaving a polite note on the windscreen if the owner can't be located straight away. Trespassing, which includes parking on private property without authorisation, is often considered a civil rather than a criminal issue. According to SomersetLive, this means the police only rarely get involved with vehicles parked on private driveways. However, local councils have the power to remove a car if it appears to be abandoned. Conversely, if you come home to find a car blocking your driveway, this is actually considered a breach of the law, and drivers could face a penalty. Local authorities can issue fines for cars that obstruct someone's access in or out of their property, thanks to Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) powers. Online resource Ask the Police provides further advice on this matter. Its experts suggest: "If the vehicle is blocking access to your driveway you should first make enquiries with the neighbours to see if they know who the car belongs to, so they can move it." They also add: "In most areas local councils have now taken on responsibility for enforcing parking provisions under what is known as Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE). Under CPE, it's an offence to park a vehicle that blocks a dropped kerb driveway." Furthermore, the procedure varies depending on the local council's policies and may require direct reporting to the council or, if there is no council-enforced CPE, contacting the local police. It is noted that: "The police/council policy for dealing with such matters may vary between forces/councils. Some police forces may only attend if your car has been blocked in and you cannot get out." For more information on parking rules, you can visit Ask the Police, here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice here
