Honest John News Driving

Calls for clampdown on double yellow parking

Richard Aucock
Wed, 17 Sept 2025

More than half of UK drivers now feel that illegal parking on double yellow lines has become a serious problem in their local area.

Growing frustrating is particularly acute among those who live in busy areas, with concerns including visibility, access and safety.

The research from the AA comes as 6% of those who park illegally on double yellow lines claim "confusion over rules.".

The motoring organisation is therefore calling for clearer signage and better localised enforcement to help stamp out illegal double yellow line parking.

Drivers in the West Midlands and North East England are most concerned about the issue. Those in Eastern England are, relatively, least worried – but 47% of them still said it was an issue.

In terms of age groups, those aged 25-34 are most frustrated by double yellow line parking. This perhaps reflects their pressures of commuting, childcare and everyday driving on congested city streets.

In contrast, those aged over 65 are least worried.

"Parking on double yellow lines is illegal for a reason," says AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens. "It’s there to protect visibility, access and safety for everyone using the road.

"The impact of ignoring these rules isn’t just illegal, it’s social and practical too. These can include blocking emergency vehicles, delaying buses and putting pedestrians at risk.

"We’re urging councils to take a more localised approach by combining clear signage, consistent enforcement and public education to address the issue in a way that fits the needs of each community."

When can you park on double yellow lines?

The Highway Code states that parking or waiting on double yellow lines is not permitted at any time – regardless of whether there are any accompanying signs.

The two exceptions are Blue Badge holders, who may park for up to three hours "provided it is safe and does not cause an obstruction" and for loading and unloading "if there are no kerb markings or signage indicating additional restrictions."

Because some motorists are still confused despite these clear-cut rules, the AA now also wants to see improved public education around parking regulations.

Ask HJ

I was given a parking ticket for having two wheels slightly on a double yellow line - can I appeal?

My back wheels were slightly on a double yellow line but the ticket I was given states I was on a road with parking restrictions. There was no signage on the road indicating parking restrictions. Are the restrictions referred to on the ticket the double yellow lines? I was wondering if I can appeal if they have incorrectly listed the offence?
If any part of your wheel is touching the yellow lines, or even if a part of your vehicle is not touch but overhanging yellow lines, then you can be issued with a ticket. Although there were no signs present, double yellow lines indicate that you cannot park at any time of day, and there does not need to be a sign to indicate this if there are double yellow lines. Single yellow lines indicate parking is permitted at certain times, and there will be signs present to indicate this. If you still feel it is worth appealing, you can read our guide to this process here - https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/advice/driving-advice/parking-ticket-appeals/ but it may be a case of paying this one and putting it down to experience.
Answered by David Ross
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