Parking
In The News
November 2005Pensioner Tries To Prove Parking Fines are Illegal
A 67 year old man tries to escape a parking fine by claiming that the 1689 Bill of Rights protects him from paying until a court convicts him.
This bill, dating back to the reign of William and Mary reads 'All grants and promises of fines and forfeitures of particular persons before conviction are illegal and void.'
Mr de Crittenden challenged the fine as he claims all parking fines are illegal and a breach of our historic rights. He believes people should not be fined without the correct process and parking fines are simply a way for local authorities to bring in large amounts of money.
The National Parking Adjudication Service commented that no similar challenge using the Bill of Rights has been successful but Mr Crittenden's determination obviously paid of as he won his appeal on a technicality - Worcester Council failed to supply evidence of a Traffic Regulation Order.
An appeal will be made to the High Court to try and expose the fact that all parking fines are unlawful and motorists are being unlawfully persecuted by local authority parking schemes.
Car Parking in the UK - It can't be avoided, it is often extortionately priced and fines regularly cause motorists headaches. In many built up areas, it is often impossible to park anywhere but an expensive public car park as there are so many restrictions in place on the roads.
To help you get a better deal on your parking, avoid pricey fines and to aid you in resolving any parking disputes you may have, we have compiled a useful guide to parking.
Airport Car Parking
If travelling to the airport by car, you will need to arrange airport car parking. There are a variety of options for parking at the airport. Short stay car parks for dropping off or picking up are unfortunately extremely expensive but also often a necessity.
If you are leaving your car at the airport while you are away then you will need a longer term airport parking option. Long term parking at the airport is fortunately a lot more economical and travellers can benefit from some great deals for booking in advance for longer stays.
As our aim is to provide our users with useful comparison tools to help them get the best deals on their purchases and save money, we recommend Airport Parking Shop for your airport parking.
This unique airport parking comparison service:
- Does the searching for you – saving you both time and money.
- Searches not one, but all the top providers to ensure you get the best deal.
- Uses a custom built quote engine to always offer you the largest variety of car parking options anywhere in the UK.
- Offers users the convenience of booking online - quickly and easily.
City Car Parks
Council Car Parks
If as often as not, there are no parking spaces in permitted areas, parking in a car park may be your only option. Most areas will have a council car park which should be cheaper than some of the large private car parking companies. Council car parks will have certain restrictions, such as maximum length of stay, no overnight stay and size of vehicle (height restrictions). You will usually have to buy a ticket to display in your car, or collect a ticket on arrival and pay when you leave.
Make sure you display your ticket clearly, park correctly and don't overstay your time limit to avoid a fine.
Other Car Parks
Unfortunately, when you are in larger towns and cities, there is often no choice but to park in one of the large expensive car park, such as the ones owned by National Car Park (NCP). These usually operate on a ticket on arrival system which you then pay at a pay station for the amount of your stay before you leave. Make sure you keep your ticket safe as a lost ticket could end up costing you the price of a whole days parking.
Permitted Parking Areas
Where You Can Park
Firstly there are areas with no lines or no signs and these, often hard to find areas, are safe to park at any time. Just make sure you don't park across a driveway or entrance or block anyone else's access.
There are then areas such as parking bays, often marked with a dashed white line on the road and usually accompanied by a sign to inform you of time limits. These areas can be free of charge, for short periods, such as 20 minutes or 1 hour and in these cases there will usually be a restriction on returning to the space within an hour or two.
These areas may also require you to buy and display a ticket. If so there will be a machine close by and the sign will state any restrictions. Make sure you park within the bays and display the ticket clearly.
Parking Restrictions
Where Not to Park
Red Route
You will see double red lines mainly in large cities replacing double yellow lines on certain routes. They are usually in places where it would be hazardous to stop. They mean no stopping at any time, not even to drop off or pick up passengers.
Double Yellow Lines
Double yellow lines on the road mean that you cannot park in that area at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There may be a
sign accompanying the lines stating 'at any time' but as of the end of January 03 this is no longer a requirement so you should
assume, sign or no sign that you cannot ever park on double yellow lines. Unlike on double red lines, loading may be permitted on some double yellow lines.
Single Yellow Lines
Single yellow lines also represent restricted parking areas, but for only certain times of the day. There should be a sign
accompanying the lined area stating the specific restricted period. This is commonly during peak hours, so parking in the evening or
the weekend, may be allowed. There may other exceptions in place, such as for blue badge holders and for loading only.
Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ)
These are areas where Traffic Regulation Orders (Traffic Management Orders in London) restrict parking in certain areas with restrictions specified by signs placed on all vehicular entry. With exceptions of designated parking bays or other signed areas. If single yellow lines are in these areas, then the restrictions will usually be the same time as the zone, unless an accompanying sign shows different times.
Loading
Loading and unloading of heavy goods for both commercial and non-commercial vehicles are usually allowed on a yellow line as long as the vehicle is parked safely and is moved to a permitted parking space once the loading is completed.
There are sometimes restrictions for loading which are often marked by yellow lines on the curb. There will usually be a sign to show whether it is no loading at any time or whether loading is permitted during certain hours. When loading restrictions are in place, blue badge holders are not permitted to park.
Parking Fines
If you park in a restricted area then you are more than likely to receive a parking fine or worse still, have your vehicle towed away. Fines can vary but usually start at about £30 or £40. You have to pay a fine within a certain time frame and if you exceed this then the fine is likely to increase.
Non payment of fines could result in you eventually being summoned to court so it is worth paying up as quickly as possible. There should be instructions on how to pay on the ticket itself, but if you are ensure then contact the issuer.
If you do not escape only with a ticket and your car is towed then you will receive more of a hefty bill, usually over £100 and will have to go to the car pound to pay up and retrieve your vehicle.
Appealing Parking Fines
If you believe that you have been given a ticket or towed unfairly, then you can lodge an appeal to the National Parking Adjudication Service. For more information or to appeal online see the National Parking Adjudication Service web site.