Highway Code rule means drivers may be fined when parking outside homes

Drivers are being warned they could be hit with a £100 fine - for an action that's all too common on roads with homes on them. The Highway Code underwent major updates back in January 2022, but after more than three years, not everyone is up to speed with the changes.

Rules 238 to 252 deal with waiting and parking regulations. According to rule 243 of the code you must not stop or park in front of an entrance to a property and despite this being a frequent occurrence, getting caught could land you with a £100 penalty.

You should also not park near a school entrance, anywhere where you would prevent Emergency Services access, at or near a bus or tram stop, or a taxi rank. The rule also extends to stopping or parking on the approach to a level crossing, or within 10 metres of a junction.

The revisions to the 2022 Highway Code were aimed at enhancing safety for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. This includes avoiding stopping or parking where kerbs have been lowered for wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles, or in spots that would block cyclists from accessing cycle facilities, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.

Nevertheless, the Code does allow drivers to temporarily stop in these areas if they're trapped by stationary traffic. It's important to note that not all Highway Code instructions carry legal weight, and there's a distinction between "must not" and "do not".

Rule 243 falls into the latter category, advising that motorists should not stop unless it's necessary due to unmoving traffic.

In Scotland, thought, you "must not" double park or park anywhere the kerb has been lowered to help pedestrians or cyclists.