- 6% Admit to Parking Illegally on Double Yellow Lines Due to
Confusion Over Rules
- Younger Drivers Most Concerned About Double Yellow Line
Parking
- AA Calls for Clearer Signage and Localised Enforcement to
Tackle Illegal Parking
More than half of UK drivers (51%) believe that illegal parking
on double yellow lines is a significant problem in their local
area, according to new research from The AA*.
The survey, which polled almost 15,000 motorists across the
country, reveals a growing frustration with drivers who flout
parking regulations - particularly in busy urban areas where
visibility, access, and safety are paramount.
A third of respondents said it wasn't a very serious problem in
their area, and 11% dismissed it as not a problem at all.
Regional differences suggest that local context plays a major
role in how the issue is perceived. Drivers in the West Midlands
and North West England expressed the highest level of concern,
with 55% identifying it as a serious issue. In contrast, only 47%
of drivers in Eastern England felt the same.
Younger Drivers More Concerned
Age also appears to influence attitudes. Among drivers aged
25–34, 57% said they viewed illegal parking on double yellow
lines as a serious issue - potentially reflecting the pressures
of commuting, childcare drop-offs, and navigating congested city
streets.
Meanwhile, 44% of drivers over the age of 65 said they did not
see it as a serious concern, possibly due to different travel
habits or living in less densely populated areas.
What the Highway Code Says
Under the UK Highway Code, double yellow lines indicate that
parking or waiting is not permitted at any time, regardless of
whether there are accompanying signs. However, there are
exceptions:
-
Blue Badge holders may park for up to
three hours, provided it is safe and does not cause an
obstruction.
-
Loading and unloading may be allowed if
there are no kerb markings or signage indicating additional
restrictions.
Despite these clear rules, The AA survey found that 6% of drivers
who admitted to parking illegally on double yellow lines did so
either because they were unaware of the restrictions or believed
it was safe to do so. This highlights a need for clearer signage
and improved public education around parking regulations.
While illegal parking is a regulatory matter, these findings
suggest its impact extends far beyond the legal realm. In many
communities, particularly urban and suburban areas, double yellow
lines are placed to protect visibility at junctions, ensure
access for emergency vehicles, and maintain pedestrian safety.
When these rules are ignored, the consequences can be immediate
and serious - ranging from blocked sightlines and delayed public
transport to increased risk of accidents.
The issue also affects delivery drivers, cyclists, and parents
with prams, who often find themselves navigating around vehicles
parked where they shouldn't be. In some cases, buses and vans are
forced to idle or reroute, causing delays and contributing to
congestion and pollution.
Beyond the physical impact, illegal parking can erode trust
within communities. Residents often feel drivers ignore the rules
without consequence, leading to frustration and a sense of
unfairness. In areas where enforcement is inconsistent, this can
create a cycle of disregard, where one person's actions encourage
others to follow suit.
Jack Cousens, AA head of roads policy, said:
“Parking on double yellow lines is illegal for a reason- it's
there to protect visibility, access, and safety for everyone
using the road. But the impact of ignoring these rules isn't just
legal; it's social and practical too.
“In cities, it can block emergency vehicles, delay buses, and put
pedestrians at risk. In quieter areas, it may not seem as urgent,
but that doesn't mean it's harmless.
“That's why 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.”
ENDS
Notes for editors
* Yonder received 14,901 responses from AA members to its online
poll between the 12th to 20th August 2025.
Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by
its rules.
