The DVSA is warning drivers to park correctly or they could be hit with fines and break Highway Code rules ahead of new guidance set to be published soon.
Motorists are being urged to ensure they are following the correct guidance when parking near their homes or out in public or they could face consequences.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued a fresh reminder to road users about knowing where they can and cannot stop.
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, the DVSA urged drivers to familiarise themselves with the Highway Code.
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The new parking rules are set to be formalised and unveiled in June
GETTYIt stated: "Rule 243 of The Highway Code is about knowing where you cannot stop or park. You can read it online for free, on GOV.UK."
The guidance states that drivers are not allowed to stop or park near school entrances, somewhere where they could prevent access to emergency services or on a bend.
However, drivers may be unaware that there are less well-known areas where they are also discouraged from stopping or parking.
This includes in front of someone else's property, where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space.
These rules are especially important for those who do not have access to parking at their homes and rely on spaces on the street to park.
It comes as drivers could benefit from new rules designed to protect motorists from overzealous parking companies issuing fines for minor infractions.
The British Parking Association and the International Parking Community recently announced the Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice to deliver greater transparency and consistency for motorists.
It has been viewed as a crucial piece of legislation to make parking fairer for drivers through grace periods, better appeals processes and clearer signage.
The new code is expected to be published in June 2024, with implementation taking place from October 1, 2024, while existing sites are expected to be fully compliant by late 2026.
Despite the optimism around the new rules, the RAC blasted the rules, accusing the private parking industry of delaying Government action for more than five years.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said he was "flabbergasted", adding: "While there are clearly some positive elements to what the private parking industry is proposing, it conveniently avoids some of the biggest issues around caps on penalty charges and debt recovery fees which badly need to be addressed to prevent drivers being taken advantage of.
“These elements, alongside a formal appeals process, are currently being worked on by the Government and in our opinion can’t come soon enough.
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The Parking Code of Practice was met with mixed reactions
GETTY"Nothing should stand in the way of the official Code, least of all a new industry scheme which muddies the waters and risks confusing drivers.
