What do red lines on the road mean and can I be fined for parking on them?

ROAD markings are essential for everyone – from drivers to cyclists and even pedestrians to cross safely.

So getting to know what the lines on roads meas is essential for any motorist and could help you avoid a hefty fine.

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Yellow lines along the edge of the road are a familiar sight, whether double or single.

A single yellow line indicates that you can only park or wait during certain periods.

A double yellow line usually means you can’t ever park there, with some exceptions like disabled Blue Badge holders .

But what about single red lines and double red lines? We explain what they mean and the rules for them, including fines if you break them.

What are red lines for and can I park on them?

Sometimes red lines are used instead of yellow and there can be double or single red lines too.

Red lines are used on roads that are very busy and so there are a lot in London, often on bus lanes.

Roads with red lines are known as red routes and often have signs explaining “No stopping at any time” or “No stopping” and then days and times.

In the first instance it’s double red lines that have no stopping at any time, and there’s no exceptions, apart from taxis and blue badge holders.

The no stopping rule applies 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, even if the roads are quiet.

The highway code on gov.uk explains further that these red lines “indicate that stopping to park, load/unload or to board and alight from a vehicle (except for a licensed taxi or if you hold a Blue Badge) is prohibited”.

Single red lines can be parked on -but only as certain times and days.

It’s essential that you check the signage near single lines which explain when you are allowed to park, or you could fall on the wrong side of the rules.

The Highway code explains: “The times that the red line prohibitions apply are shown on nearby signs, but the double red line ALWAYS means no stopping at any time.

On Red Routes you may stop to park, load/unload in specially marked boxes and adjacent signs specify the times and purposes and duration allowed.

You may also find red lines have boxes – either in red or white.

A red box “indicates that it may only be available for the purpose specified for part of the day (eg between busy peak periods)”, according to gov.uk.

A white box “means that it is available throughout the day”.

Can I be fined for parking on red lines on the road?

If you park at the wrong time on a single red line, or on a double red line at any time then you could get a parking fine.

A penalty charge notice (PCN) can be up to £70 outside London and up to £130 in the capital, according to the AA.

You can be issued with a fine straightaway if an official spots you breaking the rules, or at a later date.

You can get a PCN in the post after the incident if you’ve been spotted on CCTV.

You’ll need to pay the fine within 28 days usually but some areas may reduce the fines if you pay within 14 days.

You can appeal a PCN if you think it’s unfair or you have a good reason for breaking the rules – for example if you broke down.

Here are all the places you can and can’t park to help avoid fines this festive season.