One in four drivers risk £59 fine for breaking major parking rules enforced across UK

WATCH: GB News discusses parking fees in place across the UK

GB NEWS
Hemma Visavadia

By Hemma Visavadia


Published: 03/04/2025

- 17:41

Motorists have been fined £75million for parking violations

Nearly one out of four drivers have admitted to flouting parking regulations in the past year, leading to millions being slapped with harsh fines.

It comes after a study revealed that 8.3 million motorists confessed to parking illegally, and with the average fine standing at £59, these parking violations have resulted in a staggering £75million worth of fines being issued to drivers.


The research revealed a concerning trend of drivers deliberately breaking parking rules, with many resorting to offering justifications for their illegal parking habits.

Many drivers cited practical concerns such as lack of available spaces, while others were found deliberately disregarding restrictions.

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Parking ticket

Reports found that 8.3 million drivers have been fined for breaking parking rules across the UK

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The study found that parking on single yellow lines during restricted hours was the most common violation, committed by 1.9 million drivers.

This was closely followed by parking on double yellow lines, with 1.7 million drivers admitting to this offence. The consequences varied significantly with one in six motorists (16 per cent) receiving a fine the last time they parked illegally.

Meanwhile, one in 10 (11 per cent) drivers were let off with a warning from a parking attendant or police officer. Some motorists, however, faced more severe penalties, with nine per cent having their cars clamped and another nine per cent having their vehicles towed away.

Drivers offered various reasons for their illegal parking with the most common excuse, cited by 31 per cent, being that it was the only available space.


Another 28 per cent of motorists believed parking illegally "didn't matter" if they were only stopping for a short time, while a quarter of drivers (25 per cent) said they were in a rush.

Other justifications included parking closer due to mobility issues for themselves (14 per cent) or their passengers (19 per cent). But seven per cent admitted they were willing to accept the fine for parking incorrectly.

Nicholas Mantel, Head of Churchill Motor Insurance, said: "Nobody likes receiving a parking ticket. With busy schedules and limited parking, restrictions can be frustrating. However, they are in place to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and ensure accessibility for all road users and pedestrians."

Another seven per cent stated they believe they "should be able to park where they like" with almost half (47 per cent) of drivers admitting they often find parking restriction signs confusing and hard to understand.

One in six (17 per cent) drivers confessed they frequently forget the rules around parking restriction, with the confusion contributing to the high number of violations across the country.

More concerning was that 11 per cent of motorists admitted they were more likely to break parking rules in situations when they don't personally agree with the restrictions.

The research revealed divided opinions on whether parking violations should result in license points, with only 60 per cent believing parking in spaces allocated to emergency vehicles should incur penalty points.

Just over half (52 per cent) viewed violating school 'keep clear' markings as a move that results in points. Less than half of drivers (47 per cent) feel parking in disabled bays or bus lanes deserves points. Parking on double yellow lines would warrant points according to 45 per cent of motorists.

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Drivers were found to breach the yellow line rules which resulted in penalties being issued

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Only 22 per cent said that parking in parent and child spaces should result in points, despite these restrictions being designed to protect families and children.

Other violations which garnered limited support for license points included permit holder spaces (32 per cent) and bike lanes (31 per cent).