Drivers face £100 fine if they ignore parking rules and what to do to avoid it

08 October 2023 , 08:06

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Bad parking can get you a fine (Image: In Pictures via Getty Images)

Drivers who ignore the rules and park in spaces illegally could be issued with a fine between £70 and £100 as one in 20 motorists admits they often park where they like.

Leaving your vehicle in a disabled bay or even a parent-and-child spot because they are closer and have bigger spaces, may not only inconvenience those who they are meant for, but also land you with a costly payment too. Many disabled drivers will end up going home rather than risk parking to far from the shops, doctor's surgery or bank as walking too far could seriously effect the quality of the rest of their day if they are left in pain.

A survey from CarMats.co.uk found that around one in 20 motorists across all age ranges admit to unauthorised parking. Of the 1,366 that took part, five percent admitted to parking in disabled spaces when they shouldn't and seven percent admitted doing the same for parent-child bays. And road users who use a blue badge without being entitled could be hit with a fine of £1,000.

Blue badges are not linked to any one vehicle, they are for the sole use of the person who they have been issued to, so if you are taking disabled person out, you can park in a bay with their badge displayed to make your passenger's experience more comfortable.

Ash Young, founder of CarMats.co.uk warned that people with disabilities may even ditch their shopping if they cannot find a comfortable place to park. He said: "Our survey results show that there’s still a lot of unauthorised use of parking spaces. They’re designed to make it easier for anyone with specific needs so they can access shops, facilities and services. Parking in these when you don’t need them can make it really difficult or impossible for those who require them to go about their daily life.

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"Some disabled people may even be forced to abandon a shopping trip and go home if they can’t find suitable parking."

Age UK added: "Disabled parking spaces are generally the same width as standard bays, however, there is more space between each bay that is usually marked out with white or yellow crosses on the road to enable sufficient access for those with limited mobility and wheelchair users. This makes them approximately 1.2 metres wider than a standard space and they have a total width of 3.6 metres."

Kelly-Ann Mills