Study Reveals Common Illegal Parking Habits Among UK Motorists

New data suggests British drivers are treating restricted spaces as short-term convenience zones despite clear rules and regulations. Motor insurance experts have exposed some of the UK’s worst parking habits, with 60% admitting to parking illegally and putting themselves at risk of financial penalties.

A recent survey revealed that 19% of motorists admitted to parking on double yellow lines, despite knowing it is illegal and could result in a Penalty Charge Notice, which can range from £70 to £160 depending on the area.

Worryingly, that was not the only parking violation; 10% of those surveyed also said they have parked in a parent-and-child bay when in a rush. Around 12% of respondents also admitted to parking in a loading bay, with 7% saying they have parked in a resident-only area and 5% in disabled only spaces.

The misuse of these parking spots not only has financial implications for the driver but also directly reduces accessibility for vulnerable community members, such as disabled people and parents who need the additional room for safely unloading children, car seats and prams.

Parking on double yellow lines can block roads, impede emergency vehicles, and cause issues for pedestrians and other road users, while parking in loading bays can disrupt businesses.

Interestingly, 41% of people said they would challenge someone parked in a restricted space they don’t appear entitled to.

The results suggest motorists are seemingly undeterred by the financial consequences, despite many Britons currently struggling with the surging cost of living.

London and Scotland already have pavement parking bans in place, with fines of up to £160 and £100, respectively. Councils across England are to be given more extensive powers later this year to fine motorists who park in a way that causes obstructions.

Ian Wilson, Managing Director and car insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk, said: “It’s worrying to see drivers disregard parking laws, especially those affecting disabled people and young families.

“Double yellow lines, loading bays, disabled spots and parent and child spaces all exist for important safety and access reasons.

“Ignoring restricted area rules creates knock-on effects for other road users, and can also result in hefty charges or even vehicle damage.

“Parking the vehicle in an inappropriate place, such as on a double yellow line, increases the risk of damage. As repair costs continue to rise, drivers may turn to their car insurance to cover the bill, potentially losing their no-claims bonus and seeing premiums increase going forward.

“It’s important that drivers are aware of the rules and seek to park in a safe and appropriate spot, to help ensure other road users aren’t restricted or at risk by their actions and that they protect themselves from the financial impacts.”

Tiger.co.uk gives customers access to a quick, easy-to-use platform to search for savings on all sorts of motoring products, such as van, fleet, and car insurance.

Parking Violation	% Admit to Using	Legally Enforceable on Public Highway?	Legal Basis
Double yellow lines	19%	Yes	Waiting restriction under the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO)
Loading bay	12%	Yes (if not loading / outside times)	TRO-designated loading place
Parent & child space	10%	Usually no (private land)	Contract law in private car parks
Resident-only bay	7%	Yes	Permit parking under TRO
Over someone’s dropped curb	6%	Yes	Specific contravention: parking adjacent to dropped footway
Bus stop	6%	Yes	Bus stop clearway restriction under TRO
Disabled area	5%	Yes	Designated disabled bay under TRO
Over a cycle lane	3%	Yes (if mandatory lane – solid line)	Mandatory cycle lane restriction
On someone else’s driveway	2%	It can depend	Civil trespass OR dropped kerb contravention
EV charger spot	2%	Yes (where covered by TRO)	Designated EV charging place
Not applicable	27%	—	—

Breaches of statutory parking restrictions, on-street parking on public highways in England and Wales.

SURVEY – Tiger’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK in January 2026, with a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

Hassan Soukar

Hassan Soukar is a veteran automotive, and tech journalist, as well as a professional photographer. A man with a keen sense for innovation and a great sense of humour. He is the pro that reviews the latest gadgets from smartphones and VR headsets to fitness bands. Hassan has a generous number of lists, reviews and latest industry leaks.