UK drivers warned over parking across two bays

Parking across two bays could leave UK drivers facing a charge

UK drivers warned over parking across two bays and possible charges UK drivers are being warned that parking across two marked bays could result in a Parking Charge Notice, with charges varying depending on the car park operator. Parking experts say straddling marked spaces can breach the terms and conditions displayed at many car parks, even when the driver has not deliberately tried to take up more than one space. Parking across two bays could prove costly Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, said drivers using private car parks need to follow the rules set by the operator. That means a vehicle positioned across bay markings could potentially breach the site's parking terms and lead to a charge. Larne O'Donoghue, spokesperson for YourParkingSpace, warned that private parking charges can reach £100, while local authority penalties can range from around £25 to £150. The potential cost means a simple parking manoeuvre could become an expensive mistake for drivers who do not check the conditions before leaving their vehicle. Bay markings can also be important for other motorists, particularly in busy car parks where available spaces are already limited. Drivers should therefore take care when positioning their vehicle and make sure it sits within the marked bay wherever possible. There could be another cost for drivers Parking across two spaces could also increase the risk of contact with other vehicles, according to Matt Clamp, a car scrappage expert at Scrap Car Comparison. Modern vehicles can contain expensive sensors and cameras around their exterior, meaning even relatively minor damage could result in a substantial repair bill. Clamp said repair costs for some modern sensors and cameras can reach up to £2,000, adding another potential financial consequence for careless positioning. For drivers using private car parks, the simplest way to avoid a parking charge is to check the signs and understand the conditions before parking. Taking a few extra seconds to look at the markings and restrictions can help motorists avoid an unexpected Parking Charge Notice. The warning is a useful reminder that parking rules can differ between locations, so drivers should not assume that every car park operates under the same conditions. With charges potentially reaching significant amounts, checking the signs and parking neatly within a marked bay can save drivers from an unnecessary expense.