Parking Rules Explained

When you’re looking to buy a home, and you own a car, you ideally want to know you’re going to be able to park your car either on your own driveway or at least close enough so that you don’t have to walk two miles carrying a week’s food shopping!

Parking rules can be confusing, even for the most experienced of drivers! This is why we have written this blog to help you and prevent any nuisance parking.

On-street parking

Be sure to look for signs and information on your local authority’s website as this will indicate whether you are in a Controlled Parking Zone, a Restricted Parking Zone, or you have the freedom to park there.

Permit holder only

Some streets only have parking for residents who hold a permit, or a temporary visitor permit. These rules may be 24 hours a day, or they may be for set periods during the day. There will be signs nearby to establish whether you can park there or not.

Can you park on a dropped kerb?

Dropped kerbs are there for a reason – to improve access for:

• Pedestrians – particularly those using wheelchairs or mobility issues, as well as people with limited sight
• Vehicles – for those entering or exiting a driveway

The Highway Code states that you must not park where the kerb has been lowered.

Can you park opposite a dropped kerb?

As long as it is safe to do so and vehicles can get in and out of their driveways easily you are allowed to park opposite a dropped kerb.

 Can you park in front of a driveway?

Parking in front of a driveway is sure to upset the neighbours! Often there will be dropped kerb in front of the driveway to enable vehicles to access them, which as we have already read is a no-go. Even if a driveway doesn’t have a dropped kerb, you should still avoid blocking it, again for visitors who have mobility issues or young children, unless you have permission from the occupiers.

Can you park on someone else’s drive?

It is a civil offence of trespassing on private property if you opt to park on someone else’s driveway unless you have been given permission to park there. Although it is not a crime (civil matters are enforced in different types of courts), so the police aren’t likely to get involved. Also, if your vehicle is taxed and insured you won’t be classed as an ‘abandoned vehicle’ so the council may not help either. But technically you get sued and most definitely ruffle some feathers!

Of course, it’s always good to refer to the Highway Code (rule 239) for any confusion on parking, but a lot of the time sensible parking comes down to common sense!