Motorists could be slapped with a fine as high as £100 for simply parking in the wrong place. Across the UK there a wide variety of road markings which all help communicate a number of strict rules for that portion of the road. Any driver with a full licence is expected to know what these road marking mean and ignoring them could land someone in serious trouble.
For example, an extremely common road marking that is usually found outside of schools are yellow zigzag markings. These markings are often accompanied with a sign stating ‘School Keep Clear’ and is there to ensure that motorists do not park their car outside of a school where it can cause an obstruction and stop children from crossing the road safely.
However, keep in mind these zigzag markings are not exclusive to schools and can commonly be found at other locations where it is vital that the road is kept clear at all times, such as police stations, hospitals, and fire stations.
Rule 192 of the Highway Code, which deals with pedestrian crossings, states: “You MUST NOT park on a crossing or in the area covered by the zig-zag lines. You MUST NOT overtake the moving vehicle nearest the crossing or the vehicle nearest the crossing which has stopped to give way to pedestrians.”
Fine for parking on zigzag lines
Fines for zigzag lines may vary depending on who issues the fine. This is because in many cases they can enforce by both police and local councils.
If caught by the police, the fine could be more severe with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100 plus three points on your licence. However, councils generally fine a lesser charge of £70 which can be reduced by 50% if the fine is paid within the period set out in the given ticket.
There are generally few exceptions that would allow you to appeal a fine for parking on zigzag lines. However, Rule 243 of the Highway Code does state that motorists shouldn’t park near a school entrance unless forced to do so by stationary traffic.
It also states that motorists shouldn’t stop or park at:
- where you would obstruct cyclists’ use of cycle facilities
- in front of an entrance to a property
- opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space
- near the brow of a hill or hump bridge
- at or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank
- where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane
- opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle
- on a bend
- where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles
- anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services
- on the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing
