20 October 2025
More than 1.6 million Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued in 2024 under contravention code 01 — “Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours”, according to a Freedom of Information request by The AA*. This includes both single and double yellow line offences, making it one of the most common parking violations nationwide.
The scale of enforcement highlights the tension between regulation and reality, as new AA research** shows nearly two-fifths (37%) of drivers admit to parking on double yellow lines at least once. While 63% say they’ve never done so, more than a quarter (27%) admit to occasional rule-bending, with one in 10 admitting they are repeat offenders.
The findings suggest that while enforcement is widespread, it may not be addressing the root causes of illegal parking.
“Enforcement alone isn’t enough - people need to know where they can park safely and legally.”
Of the 1.6 million PCNs issued, over half a million (581,965) came from just ten councils. Five of these are in London, with other major metropolitan cities also featuring in the top ten. Based on a standard charge of £70 per PCN, these councils collectively raised over £40 million from penalty charges in 2024.
Drivers Cite Necessity and Lack of Options
The survey of nearly 15,000 UK drivers found that the most common reasons for parking on double yellow lines include:
- Loading or unloading goods (43%)
- Making a quick stop (31%)
- Being with someone who has a Blue Badge (27%)
- Lack of available legal parking (18%)
- Emergency situations (13%)
Only 13% of those who parked illegally reported receiving a fine, suggesting that enforcement is present but not universal.
Rules on Double Yellow Line Parking
According to the UK Highway Code, double yellow lines signify that parking or waiting is prohibited at all times, even in the absence of accompanying signs. Nonetheless, certain exceptions do apply.
- Blue Badge holders may park for up to three hours, provided it is safe and does not cause an obstruction.
- Loading and unloading may be allowed if there are no kerb markings or signage indicating additional restrictions.
On occasions drivers may breakdown on yellow lines and leniency should be shown until breakdown assistance arrives and fixes or moves the vehicle.
Infrastructure Over Enforcement
When asked what would discourage them from parking illegally, 52% of respondents pointed to more legal parking options as the most effective deterrent. Other suggestions included:
- More visible enforcement (41%)
- Higher fines (25%)
- Better signage (18%)
- Public awareness campaigns (16%)
These responses reflect growing frustration among drivers who feel that limited parking availability often forces them into difficult decisions. The data suggests that while enforcement plays a role, many drivers are looking for infrastructure improvements and clearer communication to help them comply with parking rules.
Demographic and Regional Insights
The survey revealed demographic differences in attitudes:
- Younger drivers (18–34) were less likely than older drivers to admit to parking on double yellow lines (NET: Yes = 29 vs 38%). They were more likely to support better signage (31%) and higher fines (31%), with moderate support for awareness campaigns (15%).
- Older drivers (65+) were most likely to admit to parking on double yellow lines (38%) but showed stronger support for more legal parking options (52%) and visible enforcement (40%), while being less supportive of signage (16%) and awareness campaigns (15%).
- 40% of men and 28% of women admitted to parking on double yellow lines at least once.
Regionally, Scotland and Wales showed the highest rates of occasional violations, both at 10%, compared to the national average of 8%. This may reflect the unique parking pressures in semi-urban and rural communities, where infrastructure and enforcement vary more widely.
These regions also placed greater emphasis on the need for clearer signage and increased legal parking availability. Meanwhile, younger drivers across the UK were more likely to favour education and awareness campaigns to improve compliance.
London (55%) and the South East (54%) placed a stronger emphasis than other regions on the need for more legal parking options, highlighting the impact of urban parking scarcity.
In contrast, Eastern England (43%), Yorkshire & the Humber (42%), and the Midlands (42%) were more likely to call for visible enforcement as a deterrent, suggesting regional differences in how drivers perceive and respond to parking restrictions.
Jack Cousens, AA Parking Expert, said: “Double yellow lines are a clear indication that waiting or parking in that area is strictly prohibited, unless there is a legal reason allowing someone to stop there.
“However, what is clear is that drivers are asking for practical parking solutions. Expanding legal parking provisions and improving visibility of restrictions could significantly reduce violations and improve road safety. Enforcement alone isn’t enough - people need to know where they can park safely and legally.
“We also need to consider the diversity of driver needs. Delivery drivers, carers, and those with mobility challenges often face difficult choices. By improving access and signage, we can reduce the pressure that leads to rule-breaking and make streets safer for everyone.
“This is a call to action for councils and transport planners. The data shows that drivers are willing to follow the rules - but they need the tools to do so. A combination of infrastructure investment, education, and smart enforcement is the way forward.”
AA Recommendations
In light of the findings, The AA is urging local councils and transport authorities to adopt a balanced strategy that includes:
- Investment in legal parking infrastructure
- Clear and consistent signage
- Review of yellow lines to ascertain if needed
- Targeted enforcement in high-risk areas
- Public education campaigns tailored to local needs
By addressing the root causes of illegal parking, the AA believes communities can improve safety, reduce congestion, and foster greater respect for parking regulations.
* Freedom of Information request submitted to all UK councils by The AA, 5 September 2025.
** Yonder received 14,901 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 12th to 20th August 2025. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.