Parking on double yellow lines might seem like a quick fix when you are running late, but according to a new report, it has become a major headache across the UK.
In a massive survey of nearly 15,000 drivers, over half (51%) said that dodgy parking on double yellows is now a serious issue where they live.
Why It’s Such a Big Deal
Double yellow lines are not just there to annoy drivers. They are meant to keep roads clear and safe. When people ignore them, it blocks visibility, slows down buses, and forces cyclists, parents with prams, and even people in wheelchairs out into the road. Delivery vans and HGVs often end up stuck or rerouted, causing more congestion and more pollution.
One car on the lines can cause problems for everyone.
Who’s Most Annoyed?
Age and location both influence how people see the problem.
- 25 to 34 year olds: 57% say it is a serious issue, likely because they are the ones battling daily commutes, nursery drop-offs, and busy city streets.
- Over 65s: Only 44% think it is a big deal, possibly because they drive less often, live in quieter areas, or have Blue Badges which allow parking on double yellows for up to three hours in some cases.
- Regional split: Drivers in the West Midlands and North West are the most frustrated at 55%, while only 47% of those in Eastern England feel the same.
Why People Still Do It
Despite clear rules in the Highway Code that say you cannot park on double yellows at any time unless you are loading or unloading or have a Blue Badge, 6% of drivers admitted they still do it. Their excuses included not knowing it was not allowed, thinking it was safe, or simply not wanting to pay for parking.
What Could Fix It?
The AA says better signage and education might help, but nothing works quite like the fear of a ticket. In cities such as London, where wardens are everywhere, people rarely take the risk. Elsewhere, enforcement can be inconsistent, and that is when bad habits spread.
Councils now handle most parking enforcement after powers were taken away from underfunded police forces, but the problem is still widespread.
Pavement Parking Next?
This debate comes as pressure grows over whether pavement parking should be banned across England. It is already illegal in London and Scotland, and 83% of drivers say they would back a ban elsewhere. Labour has promised to look at it, but for now it is still legal outside of London, even though it is hugely unpopular with pedestrians.
Bottom Line
Parking on double yellows is not just a minor offence. It can put lives at risk and cause chaos on the roads. As Jack Cousens from the AA explains:
"Parking on double yellow lines is illegal for a reason - it’s there to protect visibility, access, and safety for everyone using the road. But the impact of ignoring these rules isn’t just legal; it’s social and practical too.
"In cities, it can block emergency vehicles, delay buses, and put pedestrians at risk. In quieter areas, it may not seem as urgent, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
"That’s why we’re urging councils to take a more localised approach by combining clear signage, consistent enforcement, and public education to address the issue in a way that fits the needs of each community."
So next time you think about squeezing onto a double yellow for just a minute, maybe do not.
