Will I get a parking ticket if I have to abandon my car in the snow?

DRIVERS are asking on social media if they will be fined for abandoning their cars in the snow.

The recent snowy weather has led to police advising motorists not to drive unless absolutely necessary.

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Thousands of drivers have been forced to abandon their cars due to getting stuck in the heavy snow.

But once abandoned, they’re afraid their cars will be slapped with a fine for parking illegally or in spaces which they do not have the required permit for.

Happily, most councils in the UK wouldn’t fine drivers.

For example, Durham council’s wardens work to clear car parks during snowy weather instead of doing the rounds and giving out parking tickets.

However, in places such as Newcastle, you can expect to see traffic wardens giving tickets in multi-storey car parks which are not affected by the weather.

Staff will help to grit and clear car parks, but it doesn’t mean you can get away with parking where you like.

Speaking to the local newspaper, Chronicle Live, a council spokesman from Newcastle said: “Our priority at this time is to keep car parks and car park access as safe as possible.

“Our officers are now out and about as a visible presence to assist the public where needed, as well as to grit and clear car parks.

“Some enforcement activity may take place in multi-store car parks where the weather conditions are less of an issue, however priority is being given to maintaining car parks and public safety.”

If you have to ditch your car in Northumberland due to the weather, you won’t get a PCN ticket.

A council spokesman said: “We’d take a sensible and considerate approach given the severe conditions and wouldn’t issue tickets on vehicles abandoned in the snow.”

Also, if a traffic warden can’t see inside your car due to snow, it’s very unlikely you’ll be given a ticket.