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motor driver A staggering £1.6million fined for illegal driving across the UK Parking According to new data, in 2024 on the yellow lines.
Comewhich uncovered these figures, argues that while drivers are “willing to follow the rules”, they need “practical parking solutions”.
Double yellow lines prohibit parking at all times, except blue badge holders, while single yellow lines allow it only during specific hours indicated by the signs. Local councils enforce these rules through cameras and wardens.
Responses to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests sent by the AA to all UK councils found that 1.6 million Penalty Change Notices (PCNs) were issued for illegal parking on single or double yellow lines in 2024.
More than half a million of them were from PCN 10 councils, five of which were London boroughs.
There is no universal charge for breach of the double yellow line. PCNs issued in London can cost up to £160. Outside the capital they are usually around £70, but can be up to £130.
The amount is usually halved if paid within 14 days.
A survey of almost 15,000 AA members indicated that the most common reasons given for parking on double yellow lines included loading or unloading luggage (43 per cent), making a quick stop (31 per cent), the occupant of the vehicle having a blue badge (27 per cent) and lack of parking spaces available elsewhere (18 per cent).
When asked what would discourage them from parking illegally, 52 percent of respondents said more parking options would be the most effective deterrent (52 percent).
About 38 percent of drivers aged 65 and older admitted to parking on double yellow lines, while only 29 percent of drivers aged 18-24 admitted.
AA parking expert Jack Cousens issued a “call to action” for councils and transport planners.
He said: “People need to know where they can park safely and legally.
“Expanding legal parking provisions and improving the visibility of restrictions could significantly reduce violations and improve road safety.
“The data shows that drivers are willing to follow the rules – but they need the tools to do so.
“A combination of infrastructure investment, education and smart enforcement is the way forward.”
A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said that the increase in the number and size of vehicles in recent decades means that “managing parking demand and ensuring that people park safely and within the rules is becoming challenging for councils”.
He added: “Appropriate parking levels in England outside London are set by the government, although they have not been reviewed since 2008.
“Reviewing these levels can help to ensure that councils have the latest powers to tackle illegal parking, ensure fair treatment of those who follow the rules and support better parking provision and enforcement where necessary.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Parking enforcement plays a vital role in keeping roads safe and traffic moving smoothly.
“The fine charge should be reasonable and should be used to encourage drivers to park correctly, not to detain them.
“We are carefully considering the new evidence from the parking area at current good levels, and will respond in due course.”