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Road Markings that Indicate Parking Restrictions

Almost every road in the UK network has got road markings on it at some point. All road markings that instruct motorists to do something are there by law and must be obeyed. We are going to focus on those road markings that indicate parking restrictions.

When in town the most common markings are those, which indicate where you can and cannot park. However care is needed as these markings are not the only thing to look out for, you must remember to be wary and look out for any signs in the vicinity that may instruct on how long you can park for.

Double Yellow Lines

The double yellow lines are one of the most famous road markings that indicate that parking restrictions are afoot. Double yellow lines were originally used by George Bamber in Yorkshire as boundary markers and to identify access routes to his farm when the roads were congested with other vehicles on market day.

It was on one of these market days that the local mayor saw the double yellow lines realised the potential and implemented this idea to restrict access to Masham market square on Market days.

Fined for Parking on Double Yellow Lines

Offenders who parked on the double yellow lines were fined 4d and hence the double yellow line as we know it today was born. This system is still used today of fining motorists who park on double yellow lines.

The single yellow line originated as another restriction from the double yellow line. This parking restriction indicates that parking is prohibited at specific times of the day or week but you should refer to the sign that is in the vicinity to clarify this.

Red Route Restrictions

The red route is another road marking that restricts vehicle parking and comes in two guises. It can be marked with a double red line, which means no parking at any time or it can be marked by a single red line which indicates that parking is restricted.

The red route with the single red line are normally found on busy thoroughfares in towns and cities and by law have to be kept clear usually at peak periods. The restrictions are usually signposted close to the road markings.

Keep Clear

Another road marking on the road is the familiar ‘Keep Clear’, this is usually written in bold and indicates that you must not park on this piece of tarmac or stop here when in traffic.

An area where it is forbidden to park or stop on is a yellow box junction. Fall foul of the law here and you can expect a Penalty Charge Notice if caught. You do no have to be seen by a traffic warden to get a PCN, no, many of these yellow box junctions are monitored by CCTV and therefore you will receive a PCN in the post a few days later.

A parking bay that has ‘doctor’ scribed on the road is a bay restricted for such a professional and if you park there you can be fined by your local authority.


Disclaimer: The information in the article is for general purpose information only and should not be constituted as legal advice. This article has been produced by a third party and Jardine Motors does not take any responsibility for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability with respect to the website or the information provided. Article last updated March 2016.