10 September 2025
More than half of UK drivers (51%) believe that illegal parking on double yellow lines is a significant problem in their local area, according to new research from The AA*.
The survey, which polled almost 15,000 motorists across the country, reveals a growing frustration with drivers who flout parking regulations - particularly in busy urban areas where visibility, access, and safety are paramount.
A third of respondents said it wasn’t a very serious problem in their area, and 11% dismissed it as not a problem at all.
“The impact of ignoring these rules isn’t just legal; it’s social and practical too.”
Regional differences suggest that local context plays a major role in how the issue is perceived. Drivers in the West Midlands and North West England expressed the highest level of concern, with 55% identifying it as a serious issue. In contrast, only 47% of drivers in Eastern England felt the same.
Younger Drivers More Concerned
Age also appears to influence attitudes. Among drivers aged 25–34, 57% said they viewed illegal parking on double yellow lines as a serious issue - potentially reflecting the pressures of commuting, childcare drop-offs, and navigating congested city streets.
Meanwhile, 44% of drivers over the age of 65 said they did not see it as a serious concern, possibly due to different travel habits or living in less densely populated areas.
What the Highway Code Says
Under the UK Highway Code, double yellow lines indicate that parking or waiting is not permitted at any time, regardless of whether there are accompanying signs. However, there are exceptions:
- 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.
Despite these clear rules, The AA survey found that 6% of drivers who admitted to parking illegally on double yellow lines did so either because they were unaware of the restrictions or believed it was safe to do so. This highlights a need for clearer signage and improved public education around parking regulations.
While illegal parking is a regulatory matter, these findings suggest its impact extends far beyond the legal realm. In many communities, particularly urban and suburban areas, double yellow lines are placed to protect visibility at junctions, ensure access for emergency vehicles, and maintain pedestrian safety.
When these rules are ignored, the consequences can be immediate and serious - ranging from blocked sightlines and delayed public transport to increased risk of accidents.
The issue also affects delivery drivers, cyclists, and parents with prams, who often find themselves navigating around vehicles parked where they shouldn’t be. In some cases, buses and vans are forced to idle or reroute, causing delays and contributing to congestion and pollution.
Beyond the physical impact, illegal parking can erode trust within communities. Residents often feel drivers ignore the rules without consequence, leading to frustration and a sense of unfairness. In areas where enforcement is inconsistent, this can create a cycle of disregard, where one person’s actions encourage others to follow suit.
Jack Cousens, AA head of roads policy, said: “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.”
* 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.
| Serious % | Not v serious % | No Problem % | |
| Scotland | 48 | 35 | 48 |
| North East | 49 | 31 | 43 |
| North West | 55 | 30 | 40 |
| Yorkshire/Humber | 54 | 30 | 40 |
| West Midlands | 55 | 30 | 39 |
| East Midlands | 51 | 31 | 43 |
| Wales | 49 | 38 | 46 |
| Eastern England | 47 | 33 | 46 |
| London | 49 | 35 | 44 |
| South East | 50 | 34 | 44 |
| South West | 51 | 33 | 43 |
| Northern Ireland | 53 | 35 | 43 |