Illegal Parking
Illegal parking is a common issue that affects public land, creating inconvenience and potential safety hazards. Whether you’re a property owner, a local authority, or a driver, understanding the laws around illegal parking is essential for managing and resolving these challenges.
What is illegal parking?
If you’re wondering what constitutes illegal driving, we have pulled together a list that would find drivers to be breaking the law in any of the following locations, according to the Highway Code:
- On yellow lines during times of operation – always check the signs, as these will vary depending on location
- On school entrance and/or keep clear markings
- The carriageway or the hard shoulder of a motorway, unless in an emergency
- A pedestrian crossing of any kind
- A clearway where a vehicle is not allowed to stop on the road or the side of the road under any circumstances or an urban clearway within its hours of operation (except to pick up or set down passengers)
- A marked taxi bay
- A road marked with double white lines (except to pick up or set down passengers)
- A tram, pedestrian or cycle lane/track during the hours of operation
- Red lines, unless shown otherwise on nearby signs
Is parking on private property illegal?
No. Parking violations on private land, such as company car parks or retail parking lots, are not classified as illegal. Instead, they fall under unauthorised parking or nuisance parking, which breaches the terms and conditions agreed upon when parking on private property.
For more information on managing unauthorised parking on private land, visit our Unauthorised Parking page.
Why is illegal parking a problem?
Illegal parking creates several challenges for both the public and local authorities, including:
- Safety Risks: Obstructed emergency routes and pedestrian crossings can endanger lives.
- Traffic Disruption: Blocked roads or pavements can cause congestion.
- Financial Costs: Councils incur expenses for issuing PCNs, towing vehicles, and addressing damages.
How to deal with illegal parking
To report an illegally parked vehicle, you will need to provide information on how the vehicle is parked, where it is parked (name of street), and specify whether it is breaching any of the rules in the Highway Code. You can report unauthorised parking on public land to your local authority online on your local council’s website or via the phone. If you believe a vehicle is dangerously parked, where it is a direct threat to others or it is causing obstruction, you can report it to the police by calling the non-emergency 101 number.
Who we help
Hotels
Restaurants
Car Parks
Schools
NHS
Leisure
Doctors & Dentists
FAQs about Illegal Parking
Can illegal parking fines be appealed?
Yes, if you believe a PCN was issued incorrectly, you can appeal by following the instructions on the notice. Ensure you provide any evidence to support your claim.
Who enforces illegal parking rules?
Illegal parking on public land is managed by local councils or police authorities, who have the power to issue PCNs and take enforcement actions.
Is parking in front of a driveway illegal?
Yes, if the driveway is on public land, blocking it can be considered illegal parking and may result in enforcement action.
Need help managing parking issues?
Creative Car Park specialises in parking management solutions for private property. While illegal parking is a matter for local authorities, we can help with unauthorised parking on private land. Contact us today for tailored solutions to regain control of your parking spaces.
