Reader’s question
In my half-term haste I drove through a no entry sign in a large service station and ended up getting stuck facing a lot of one way traffic. There were cameras everywhere and lots of signs about automated number plate recognition and parking fines — I have been quite worried about it since. I accept my error, although the no entry signs were not that clear. If I do receive a fine, do I have to pay it if it’s a private company?
Name and address supplied
Martyn’s response:
Sometimes your questions seem pretty straightforward on first glance. But when I start to dig down in to the details things can become a bit murky.
Complaints about private parking charges can provoke some strong responses from readers. To answer your question, I’ve spoken to the two main industry membership associations, the British Parking Association and International Parking Community, who have (very patiently) considered a range of additional hypothetical parking scenarios for me too.
As a general rule, if you park on private land you must follow the instructions given on the signage by the car park owner/managing parking firm. These instructions rarely cover your driving skills or technical errors made when entering or leaving the car park (unless you damage something and drive off). All you usually need to do is pay for the duration during which you are parked.
Parking disputes tend to arise over faulty machines, unclear signage, questions over whether the land is private or not and errors made when inputting data in to parking apps or machines.
When it comes to driving offenses, the police, or Local Authority Civilian Enforcement Officers – the official term for traffic wardens – can issue various types of penalties. These are different to charges issued by private parking firms, which relate your actions when parking on private property.
However, charges for parking on private land are usually set out according to the landowner’s instructions. So even though it’s highly unlikely, theoretically it’s neither banned nor impossible for a fine for driving offenses on private land to occur. It’s just very unlikely (I’ve never heard of one).
But what about other potential parking errors?
What about parking the wrong way round?
An unusual number of readers have asked about this. Fear not. If you worry about reverse parking you are highly unlikely to be penalised for parking ‘the wrong way round’. Once again, in theory, a landowner might have some concerns about riskier parking manoeuvres near parts of its property, but if this occurs, it’ll be made clear on the signage.
What about drivers who take up more than one space?
Ironically, this is the one offense that readers passionately want people to be charged for! And yes, straying in to or blatantly parking in to more than one parking space could breach the terms of use of the carpark both off and on private land.
Parking in a disabled bay
Another parking offense that stirs strong feelings. If you don’t display your blue badge, then yes, you can be charged (as you should be). Blue badge holders can appeal under the Appeals Charter if you have a good excuse (you forgot the badge, it fell out of site, a medical emergency, etc). There is a lot of misuse of the blue badge system. But I would strongly recommend readers from going ‘vigilante’ if they think someone is breaking the rules. Not all disabilities are visible.
Parking in a spot not clearly designated as a bay
I like a trip to a national park. But on many occasions, some parking bays aren’t exactly clearly defined, like green verges at the corner of the car park or overspill areas. This is one to seek advice on ideally. If a sign says ‘park in a marked bay’ you could risk a charge. But why not just call the number on the sign and ask for advice if you are worried?
Blocking another driver
The rules around blocking aren’t black and white, but the same principle of ‘parking in marked bays’ applies here. If you are blocking another driver, then clearly you aren’t in a marked bay or it wouldn’t be possible. So this could leave to a charge. However, some big events and festivals ‘stack’ cars in parking areas. It makes sense to check the rules for the event. But you’re more likely to face a long wait to leave rather than a fine.
In summary, always check the sign, just in case.