Parking Advice for the Festive Period

Experts at LeaseCar.uk have named the spots where motorists should not park over the festive period to avoid angry complaints and expensive penalties, which are bound to ruin Christmas.

With lots of visitors to friends and family homes over the festive season, it can be tempting for motorists to park on the pavement, cycle lanes or use nearby car parks to stay overnight.

But parking in a new spot can lead to a hefty bill and angry neighbours if the location isn’t suitable.

Driveways fill up quickly with visiting friends and family over Christmas, resulting in many cars parking on the pavement for those houses with lots of visitors.

While parking on the street might seem like the only option as travellers rush to get inside to the warmth, the experts say all drivers should check Signage to see if there are any restrictions wherever they want to park.

Other spots, such as public car parks, can seem like a great place to leave a vehicle overnight but can result in a painful penalty.

Drivers should also stay updated on the Highway Code for the most recent laws and regulations on parking vehicles.

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “This Christmas, many of us will be hosting many guests or driving to friends’ and families’ homes to visit. And many of us drivers don’t know the specific places and regulations on where you can park your car overnight.

“Of course, no one wants to run the risk of parking somewhere which may result in a stolen vehicle, vandalism or an expensive fine, which will no doubt ruin Christmas.

“That’s why it’s essential to check where it’s illegal to park your car overnight. Not only that, but spots that aren’t illegal and will cause significant grievances, like parking in front of your neighbour’s driveway, are inconsiderate, especially during the festive period.

“Parking on someone else’s driveway is classed as a civil offence of trespassing, so your car could be removed and a fine issued.

“It is also key to ensure that you are not parked anywhere which could be a danger to others – such as cyclists and emergency service vehicle access.”

Here is LeaseCar.uk’s guide to parking over Christmas:

1. Pavements

It’s currently only illegal to park on the pavement in London. Although there have been calls to input this ban across the whole country, it’s up to local councils to enforce double yellow lines and Signage to stop drivers from parking on the pavement. It might seem tempting to park on the pavement when visiting someone this Christmas, but always check the signage and avoid it in the capital city.

2. Car Parks   

Before parking, checking if overnight stays are allowed in certain car parks is essential. If a car park isn’t ticketed, it might seem easy to get away with, but parking here overnight is a no go as car parks use ANPR cameras to catch any illegal visitors. If seen, a hefty fine could be on the way.

3. Taxi Rank  

It may seem like a good idea for some to park overnight in an empty taxi rank, but this can land drivers a fine, as it is only legal for licensed public taxis to park there. Not only that, but this will mess up the system’s flow over the busy Christmas period and annoy taxi drivers.

4. In Front of a Neighbour’s Driveway  

Parking in front of a neighbour’s driveways has long caused grievances with homeowners all over the country. Not only is it very annoying for the owner of the driveway, but parking out in front blocks access and causes disruptions for Christmas plans that neighbours have. It might seem convenient for guests to park in front of a neighbour’s driveway, but it should be avoided at all costs.

5. Cycle Lanes   

Many drivers might think it’s OK to park in a cycle lane overnight, but bike users may still use the cycle lanes all day and night. There are dedicated cycle lanes for a reason: to prevent any accidents with vehicles which are parked or not. Cyclists will be forced to swerve around parked cars, potentially putting themselves and other road users in danger.

6. On Someone’s Drive 

For those households with a long guest list this Christmas, some drivers might be tempted to park on a neighbour’s driveway to avoid a long walk back to their car. And whilst it is not against the law to park on someone else’s drive, the driveway is part of their property, so it’s an act of trespassing, which is a civil offence.

7. Check Signage   

It might be tempting to park overnight on a nearby street when visiting friends and family members for Christmas, but doing so could incur fines if it is illegal. That’s why it is essential to check around Signage in parking spots on the street or in car parks – signs will outline any times or days when drivers cannot park up.

8. Don’t Prevent Emergency Service Access  

This may be obvious to drivers, but it’s still worth reiterating that it’s crucial never to park anywhere, which could prevent access for ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles. Although this shouldn’t be done at any point throughout the day, parking on a narrow street or somewhere with fast access is terrible at nighttime, with significantly less chance for drivers to be able to move their vehicles quickly or legally if they’ve been drinking around the Christmas table.

9. The Direction of Traffic Flow is Important  

The Highway Code makes it clear that it’s illegal to park vehicles overnight which are facing against the direction of the traffic flow. The only exception to this rule is unless a dedicated parking space allows drivers to do so.

For more expert advice for driving over Christmastime, head over to https://leasecar.uk/.