Highway Code rule that affects 'all UK driveways' in force now

Highway Code rule that affects 'all UK driveways' in force now A familiar parking habit could leave motorists facing an unwelcome penalty as a Highway Code reminder has been issued For most drivers across the UK, getting home after a long day can mean pulling up outside the house and leaving the car on the road for a few minutes. But there is one part of the Highway Code that could make where you park a costly mistake. Rule 243 tells motorists not to stop or park where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles, or in front of an entrance to a property. Dropped kerbs are commonly installed to allow vehicles to cross the pavement and access driveways, while others are designed to help pedestrians cross the road. This means drivers should think carefully before leaving their vehicle across one, even if they are only planning to stop briefly. Blocking the lowered section can prevent residents from getting vehicles on or off their property and can also obstruct vulnerable people. The Highway Code says drivers should not park "in front of an entrance to a property", except when forced to do so by stationary traffic. It also lists several other places where motorists should not stop or park, including near school entrances, at or near certain junctions and anywhere access for emergency services would be prevented. It can be particularly important in areas where councils have parking enforcement powers. Reading Borough Council, for example, says motorists parked alongside a dropped kerb can receive a £70 Penalty Charge Notice, while other councils have their own enforcement arrangements. Drivers should also be aware that a white H-bar marking is not necessarily what makes a dropped kerb enforceable. East Suffolk Council says enforcement can apply to the lowered section even where there are no white markings or signs. There are differences across the UK, particularly in Scotland, where the Highway Code states drivers must not park anywhere the kerb has been lowered to help pedestrians or cyclists, subject to limited exceptions. The safest option is therefore to avoid leaving a vehicle across a dropped kerb or directly in front of a driveway entrance. A short stop could still cause an obstruction, and motorists should check their local council's parking rules if they are unsure about a particular location. Meanwhile, there are specific rules about the direction you should park your vehicle, especially when the sun goes down. Highway Code rule Number 248 cautions drivers: "You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space" - and breaking it also risks a fine. Paul Barker, editor at Auto Express, explained: "A lot of drivers are either not aware or have forgotten that you shouldn't park on the wrong side of the road at night, especially as it's a rule almost never enforced in the UK. It's a great example of a bit of Highway Code that's instantly forgotten as soon as you get a licence in your hand. "With a car's reflectors only being on the back, it makes it harder to spot vehicles parked facing towards you. In the reduced visibility of night-time it could potentially be briefly disorientating for a driver to see the front of a car on the wrong side of the road."