Is it illegal to park on pavements, double yellows and zig zag lines?

West Yorkshire Police's guide for motorists includes dilemmas over parking on pavements, grass verges, double yellows, and zig zag lines. 

The notice was shared by Shipley NPT.

Parking on double lines (even if it’s for a few minutes)

Drivers should not park on double yellow lines unless they have a disabled parking permit. Restrictions for double yellows apply 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with very few exceptions to this rule. 

Sometimes signs may show times and dates where the rules change. 

Drivers can be handed a penalty charge notice if they park on double yellow lines, police said. 

• Read more: Still no sign of Government's promised pavement parking policy

Parking on the pavement

Sometimes drivers feel it’s better to park on the pavement to leave more room on the road. But parking a vehicle on the pavement could mean you are committing an offence of obstruction. Pavement parking creates a risk of danger for pedestrians as well as those with wheelchairs or prams. 

Parking on the pavement could result in a £30 fixed penalty fine. 

• Read more: Drivers urged to park responsibly at Bradford's hospital car parks

Parking on grass verges

Vehicles cannot park, either fully or partially, on council-owned grass verges. There are often local by-laws in place due to the damage easily caused by parking in this manner. Access to nearby properties could also be affected.

If the land is privately owned and the landowner gives permission, you may be able to park on a grass verge lawfully.

Parking on zig zag lines outside schools 

Police have urged parents to park considerately when dropping off children at schools. By parking on zig zag lines at the school gates, you could be committing an offence where waiting is prohibited. This could result in a £30 fixed penalty notice.