MOTORISTS could soon be banned from parking on pavements across the UK, if a consultation led by the government is successful.

The ban could be in place by the end of this year as the Department of Transport launches a twelve-week consulation to make pavements "safer" for parents and those with a disability.

But as motorists face a potential upheaval in where they park their cars, we've asked a panel of motoring experts for the UKs top prohibited places to park.

Tim Alcock of LeaseCar said: “When behind the wheel, it’s important to minimise risks wherever possible – but this goes for when your car is stationary too.

“Drivers can avoid the hassle of receiving a fine through the post if they simply brush up on their parking knowledge. 

“The rules put in place are there for a reason – to promote safety for all road users – and so must be followed at all times.”

From the obvious double yellow lines to less-known about, cycle lane, here's the top restricted areas - according to the RAC and LeaseCar - that may land you with a hefty fine or a court appearance.

Double yellow lines 

Two yellow lines mean parking and waiting is not permitted at any time, and they can either be painted on the road or the kerb.

Loading and unloading may be permitted under some circumstances if continuous and not during peak hours, unless there are specific restrictions in place which are identified by either signage or yellow kerb- dashes.

The fine is usually £70 but is reduced in half if paid within 14 days, although this depends on the local authority. 

Single yellow lines

A single yellow line – either painted on the road or on the kerb – means no waiting, parking, loading or unloading at the times shown on the accompanying sign.

The restrictions tend to be lifted during evenings and weekends, but check the sign before parking.

The same as on double yellow lines, Blue Badge holders can park on single lines for a maximum of three hours, providing there isn't signage to say otherwise, it is safe to do so and it is not causing an obstruction for other drivers.

Yellow zig-zag lines

Often found outside schools, hospitals and police stations, these are used to indicate the length of road where stopping is prohibited.

A sign may indicate a mandatory prohibition of stopping during the times stated on the sign.

Although the local authority cannot fine you, the police can issue a ticket for causing an obstruction to either other traffic or pedestrians.

Loading bays

A loading bay will be marked by a dotted white line surrounding it, along with the words ‘Loading Only’ painted on the road.

These loading bays might be reserved for use by goods lorries or may be used by all vehicles, i.e. outside shops where heavy purchases have to be carried to a car.

These bays should not be used before purchase, but only for the collection of pre-paid items, says RAC.

Urban clearway

A sign with red cross over a blue background indicates a clearway, which means stopping is prohibited at all times.

Dropping off or the picking up of passengers is also prohibited even for licensed taxis and blue badge holders. These restrictions apply 24 hours a day. 

Taxi bays

Only licensed public taxis are permitted to park in these bays. Private taxis must adhere to the rules for other motorists and are not allowed to use the bays.

If parked without authorisation, a fixed penalty may be issued by the local authority. 

Cycle lanes

Cyclists on the road are just as valuable as other motorists and therefore the space designated should be respected says LeaseCar.

Cars and lorries parking in cycle lanes force cyclists to put themselves in danger and head out onto the main flow of traffic.

At no times must a car be driven or parked on a cycle route when the cycle lane is made up of a solid white lane. 

Parking outside someone’s house

Although not a restriction, it is a common misconception that you cannot park outside of someone's house.

The RAC says it is perfectly legal to park outside someone’s house, unless the vehicle is blocking a driveway or a wheel is over a dropped kerb.

Other situations in which parking isn’t permitted include streets governed by residents’ parking permits or any of the restrictions outlined above, i.e. double yellow lines.

What The Highways Code says:

In addition to the areas identified by the RAC and LeaseCar - The Highways Code tells motorists not to stop or park in the following locations, except when forced to do so by stationary traffic:

  • Anywhere that would prevent access for emergency vehicles
  • On a bus or tram stop
  • On the approach to a level crossing
  • Opposite or within 32ft of a junction, except in an authorised bay
  • Near the brow of a hill or humpback bridge
  • Opposite a traffic island or another parked vehicle (if it causes an obstruction)
  • Where you would force another vehicle to enter a tram lane
  • Where the kerb has been lowered for wheelchair and mobility vehicle users
  • In front of an entrance to a property
  • On a bend
  • A tram or cycle lane during its period of operation
  • A pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zig-zag lines
  • On the carriageway or the hard shoulder of a motorway (except in an emergency)
  • A road marked with central double white lines, even if a broken white line is on your side of the road, except for dropping off, picking up, loading or unloading