Motorists might want to brush up on the Highway Code rules regarding overnight parking. Experts warn there's a crucial restriction about where you position your vehicle that many may have overlooked.
Rules 248 to 252 in the Highway Code address night-time parking with several important points to remember. Number 248 cautions drivers: "You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space." You risk being hit with a fine if you leave your vehicle facing the wrong way. Paul Barker, editor at Auto Express, said that many drivers may be completely unaware that this regulation even exists.
He said: "A lot of drivers are either not aware or have forgotten that you shouldn't park on the wrong side of the road at night, especially as it's a rule almost never enforced in the UK. It's a great example of a bit of Highway Code that's instantly forgotten as soon as you get a licence in your hand."
The reason for the rule
He outlined the rationale behind this requirement: "With a car's reflectors only being on the back, it makes it harder to spot vehicles parked facing towards you. In the reduced visibility of night-time it could potentially be briefly disorientating for a driver to see the front of a car on the wrong side of the road."
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The specialist identified which locations drivers are most likely to fall foul of this regulation. He stated: "Suburban areas are the most likely places drivers will be tempted to park facing the direction of traffic, given the rules don't apply to marked bays.
"It's only the quieter roads without designed spaces that could catch out those unaware of the rules, so residential streets are a prime candidate." Another regulation you may have forgotten is Rule 249 of the Highway Code: "All vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (48 km/h)."
Most drivers wouldn't know what to do
Mr Barker cautioned that many drivers may find it difficult to adhere to this requirement. He explained: "I'd expect a tiny number of drivers to know that parking lights should be switched on if you're parked on a road with a speed limit of over 30mph, even in a lay-by. In fact I'd be amazed if many people even know how to leave their car's parking lights on."
However, he stressed there's a valid reason behind the regulation, as failing to have your lights on could pose a hazard to other road users. He said: "A disproportionate number of accidents happen at night, especially given traffic is lighter after dark, so the risks are plain to see.
"A combination of reduced visibility, fatigue (especially into the small hours) and lighter traffic combine, while there is an increased likelihood of drink or drug driving at night, as well as reckless driving when the roads are less congested." Considering these regulations surrounding night-time parking, you might want to prepare in advance if you'll be spending the night in an unfamiliar location.
Mr Barker said: "If you'll be parking on-street then Google Street View will give you an idea of how the land lies. Make sure you've checked ahead for parking restrictions and timings, and search for off-street car parks in the area.
"If you're visiting friends or relatives, it should be easy to find out how the land lies."
