Experts have urged motorists to ensure they are not breaching several well-known Highway Code rules this Christmas or they could be slapped with huge fines.
Drivers face fines when heading out for last-minute shopping and visiting families to avoid careless parking that could leave them facing costly fines.
Experts explained that the pressure of busy streets and packed residential areas has pushed drivers into reckless parking or even resorting to abandoning vehicles in restricted or dangerous spots.
They warned that these choices not only cause serious disruptions to traffic but can also pose risks to pedestrians and cyclists.
John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com, said: “Christmas is one of the busiest times on the roads, and plenty of people are travelling to see friends and family as well as finishing their shopping.
“Parking becomes much more difficult, and people are tempted to grab the first space they see. That can result in parking dangerously and facing fines or even points on your licence.”
He has reminded motorists to follow certain Highway Code laws, with Rule 244 stating that pavement parking remains illegal in London and Scotland.
In these areas, drivers can face penalties of up to £130, depending on the council, for leaving vehicles on the pavement or blocking pedestrian access. Outside these areas, councils can still issue fines where local restrictions apply.
Drivers can be fined for breaching the Highway Code this winter
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GETTY/PAMeanwhile, parking in taxi ranks can also lead to penalties, with many councils issuing £70 to £130 fines for unauthorised vehicles stopping in these zones.
Drivers who block or park in cycle lanes risk enforcement under Rule 140 of the Highway Code, which states motorists must not drive or park in a cycle lane during its hours of operation.
Breaches can result in fines of up to £130, and in some cases penalty points, particularly where police enforcement is involved or where dangerous driving is deemed.
Motorists have also been warned about overnight parking in car parks without permission, with many private and council-managed car parks often using Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, which could land drivers with between £60 to £100 fines.
Checking signage is critical, with experts explaining that during the festive period, restrictions and resident-only zones are frequently enforced by councils.
Meanwhile, Rule 239 of the Highway Code warns drivers against parking facing the flow of traffic. While not always an automatic offence, doing so could result in fixed penalty notices of up to £50 to £100 if police consider it dangerous.
LeaseLoco.com warned that repeat offences or dangerous parking that obstructs emergency vehicles could lead to further enforcement or prosecution in more serious cases.
On top of specific parking rules, drivers have also been warned not to park in electric car bays without the proper vehicle.
Neil Hutchinson from Mercury Car Centre explained that many drivers still misunderstand the rules around EV bays.
He said: “A lot of people still see EV charging bays as convenient parking spots, especially in supermarkets and retail car parks. But these spaces are there for one purpose, charging, and parking in one without plugging in can lead to fines.”
Mr Hutchinson stated that drivers caught misusing an EV bay can face fines of around £70 in council-owned car parks or as much as £100 in private parking.
“Enforcement officers don’t need to prove that your car was capable of charging, only that it wasn’t connected. A car sitting there with no cable plugged in is enough to trigger a ticket,” the expert noted.