A PARKING warden has revealed the common mistakes drivers make that could land them with an INSTANT fine.
For most offences, parking wardens need to watch the car consistently for five minutes to see if a driver corrects their error or moves on before issuing a fine.
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But ex-warden Lucas Taylor, 40, said parking on a corner with double-yellow lines are among the rules that don’t require five-minute observation time.
No observation is required for parking in a disabled bay without a badge either.
Lucas – who gave up his job as a warden to run his own business – told The Sun: “If they’re parked in a disabled bay [without a badge] it’s an instant ticket. Not a five-minute observation.
“You see one of those it’s straight away ticket – straight on the car.
“If you’re parking a corner and on a double-yellow line that’s also an instant ticket.
“If you’re blocking the road or an entrance that’s an instant ticket.”
Other instant fines include parking on zig-zag lines outside a school.
Rules may differ depending on councils or parking firms.
If they do so, they can be faced with hefty fines.
However, there are a couple of exceptions if you’re only stopping for a short time.
These apply to drivers picking up or dropping someone off – as well as Blue Badge holders for up to three hours.
But if you break down and are forced to pull over onto double yellow lines, you might not be protected by the letter of the law.
PARK OFF
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said: “Technically, a broken-down vehicle on double-yellow lines is in contravention of parking regulations and a penalty charge notice could be issued.
“But as yellow lines are generally ticketed by hand, it’s unlikely a driver would be given a ticket by a civil enforcement officer in the first place as long as they are with the car and can clearly explain why they’re stuck.
“Enforcement officers tend to be very wary of notes left in cars saying they are broken down.”
Meanwhile, parking in disabled bays without a Blue Badge will leave drivers at risk of fines.
Blue Badge drivers are allowed to park for free in on-street parking spaces.
But there could be time limits they have to stick to.
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