Drivers are being warned they could face fines for a common parking mistake.
Parking across two bays is a frequent source of frustration in car parks, with some drivers doing so accidentally and others deliberately to avoid damage from neighbouring vehicles.
While it may not seem like a serious offence, parking experts have warned that occupying more than one space can lead to financial penalties.
What the Highway Code says about parking
The UK Highway Code does not specifically mention parking across two spaces, but it does offer clear guidance on parking in designated areas.
The code states: "Use off-street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines on the road as parking places, wherever possible.
"If you have to stop on the roadside:
- do not park facing against the traffic flow
- stop as close as you can to the side
- do not stop too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge: remember, the occupant may need more room to get in or out."
Drivers warned of fines for parking over two spaces
Although the Highway Code doesn’t explicitly ban parking across two bays, doing so often violates the terms and conditions of both public and private car parks.
Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, said: "You can be fined for parking across two spaces as it means leaving your vehicle outside of the marked bays.
"In a private car park like a supermarket you have to abide by the operator’s rules.
"There will be cameras monitoring the car park and if you go against the terms displayed on the signs when you enter, you could receive a parking charge notice.
"Council-run car parks work in a similar way, although there are different rules around enforcement.
"Local authorities can enforce their own traffic orders and parking outside the marked bay can be enough to result in a penalty charge notice.
"There isn’t one fixed fine; it depends on where you’re parked and who operates the car park, but you could be looking at anything from around £25 to £150.
"The terms and conditions for most car parks will say that your vehicle needs to fit within a single marked bay.
"If you park over the line and take up part of another space you could technically be breaking the rules, even if you’re not deliberately trying to take up two spaces."
Mr Conway also pointed out that even unintentional bay straddling could result in a fine.
He said: "If you park over the line and take up part of another space you could technically be breaking the rules, even if you’re not deliberately trying to take up two spaces."
Larne O’Donoghue, spokesperson at YourParkingSpace, echoed these concerns, saying: "Taking up two parking spaces could leave drivers with a nasty surprise when they return to their car, as motorists can potentially face a parking charge of up to £100 at some privately operated car parks.
"If signs state that vehicles must be parked within the markings of a designated bay, straddling two spaces could put you in breach of those terms.
"Council-run car parks can also have rules requiring motorists to park correctly within marked bays, with penalties varying depending on the location.
"It’s always worth taking a few extra seconds to check the signs and make sure your vehicle is properly within the bay before walking away.
"What might seem like a harmless bit of bad parking could otherwise become an expensive mistake."
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Beyond the risk of fines, parking poorly can also lead to vehicle damage.
Matt Clamp, car scrappage expert at Scrap Car Comparison, said: "Parking across two spaces, especially in a tight car park, increases your risk of exterior damage to your car.
"Nowadays, most cars have parking sensors, cameras, and other technology built into their bumper, so what you think may be a minor scratch to repair can sometimes end up with a much bigger repair bill, potentially reaching up to £2,000 for some repairs.
"If the space is too tight, I’d always recommend finding another one rather than risking a parking charge or squeezing in and potentially damaging your car."
What is your biggest pet peeve from other drivers? Let us know in the comments.
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