DRIVERS could soon be allowed to park on double yellow lines – but there’s a catch.
A new campaign is calling for a change in the law so tradespeople can park on double yellows while on the job.
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If you’re not a tradie, then unfortunately you’ll still have to obey the current rules.
Last year tradies were slapped with a whopping 3.5million parking fines totalling £177million.
At the moment, tradies can only pause on double yellows while loading or unloading – subject to strict time limits.
But motoring groups want workers to be able to leave their vans on double yellows while on site or doing maintenance jobs.
Lease Van’s Tim Alcock said: “It will not only make the workplace a safer environment but will help speed up the completion of a job.
“Currently tradespeople may be forced to park far away from their site, and spend time looking for a suitable parking space.
“These restrictions only decrease the amount of time they can spend working.
“They may also rush to unload or reload heavy materials and equipment to ensure they stay within the time restrictions.”
Alcock said workers should not “receive hefty fines and penalties for trying to do their job in a safe manner and to a high standard”.
The Highway Code says double yellow lines indicate “a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs.”
However, it is important to look at the local signs around the double yellow lines.
These signs could indicate that you’re free to park there on any days that are not restricted by the instructions stated on the sign.
If you’re not sure if you’re parking during restricted seasonal times, check nearby time plates or zone entry signs.
Despite the general rules of parking on double yellow lines, there are some circumstances in which you may park in these areas.
If you’re a blue badge holder, you’re allowed to park on double yellow lines for up to three hours.
You should also ensure that you always display your blue badge clearly in your vehicle.
There are also a handful of instances when drivers can park on double yellow lines for a short amount of time.
You can for example, briefly park on double yellow lines to drop off or pick up a passenger – be mindful of causing obstructions when doing so.
Commercial vehicles are also able to park in this areas for purposes of loading and unloading goods, but always check the signs.
