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

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 a lack of available spaces, while others were found deliberately disregarding restrictions.

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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, 11 per cent of 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."

A further 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 restrictions, with the confusion contributing to the high number of violations across the country.

A handful of motorists admitted that 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 licence 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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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.