Motorists are being urged to brush up on their knowledge of common parking signs to avoid being slapped with hefty fines.
The motoring experts at AbsoluteReg.co.uk claim fines could be avoided if Britons understood signs and adhered to them.
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Failing to park legally can leave drivers with a penalty charge notice or a fixed penalty notice.
A fixed penalty notice (FPN) is issued by the police, local council or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
If you don’t pay within 28 days the fine will go up and failure to pay means you’ll be prosecuted.
A penalty charge notice (PCN) is issued if you break parking regulations. In some places they can be issued for moving traffic offences like using a bus lane.
Fines can range from between £50 to £130 for a PCN and from £50 to £300 for a FPN depending on the severity.
But the experts claim these fines could be easily avoided if motorists park within the law and follow the instructions on the signs.
Jake Smith, director of Absolute Reg, is urging drivers to brush up on their knowledge.
He said: “The number of different parking signs in the UK can make knowing where to park and for how long a little tricky.
“Having a basic knowledge of some of the most common signs could make the difference between getting slapped with a fine or avoiding one.
“If you’re in a new area and you’re uncertain of the parking rules, look out for and make sure you read the signs and be clear on whether you are authorised to park on the road or on the allocated bays.
“If you’re not sure, it’s worth moving elsewhere – a fine for parking is the last thing anyone needs.”
Here are the common parking signs:
Controlled parking zone
Waiting and loading is restricted in these areas for some or all of the time. Make sure you check the signs when entering a controlled parking zone.
Restricted parking zone
A restricted parking zone will have a waiting restriction, and in some cases, a loading restriction. The times it operates are usually stated in the on signs within the zone and when you enter it.
Permit holder parking
If you spot a ‘Permit Holders Only’ sign, don’t park there unless you hold the relevant permit. In some areas you will find that non-permit parking is allowed during certain hours. Make sure you read and understand the sign correctly before parking and leaving the car. If you park in one of the bays illegally, you could end up with a penalty charge notice or a fixed penalty notice.
Parking zones
There are a number of different parking zones – metre zone, pay and display zone, disc zone or voucher parking zone. Make sure if they require payment, that you pay.
Parking on a verge / footpath
General rule around parking on verges and footways is don’t. However, it can be allowed on some narrow streets where pedestrians won;t be obstructed. There are a few different signs which indicate how a motorist should park – partially on the verge or footway, on it or during shown times.
On street parking
There are numerous signs related to on-street parking. Places can be designated for certain types of vehicles, for a specified user and can need payment or be free. There may be a time limit on how long you stay and restrictions of how quickly you can return. Signs should clearly display the restrictions – so make sure you check them carefully.
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