Parking Regulations

[RSD7a]

Getting used my 6.3m instead of previous 6m van, I was street parking in Durham yesterday in a metered bay, parallel to the kerb. My back end was within the bay but the front was overhanging into the next bay. A traffic warden just happened to be passing. I asked if I would be considered to be legally in the bay. Was told as long as your wheels are within the bay markings you are fine. We don't worry about overhangs front or back.
While it helped me, it didn't really make sense as I was encroaching on the next bay.
I'm now wondering if this is a general rule, or if it varies from one authority to another. I'm sure I've read somewhere that it's the position of the whole vehicle that matters, not just the wheels.

 

[trevskoda]

I was told that that is correct, also told if yellow lines dont have a t bar at the ends or are broken then illegal and dont count.

 

[mark61]

It's a general misconception that only the wheels need to be within the marked bay.

In general the entire vehicle needs to be within the marked bay, that's the rules.

And the contravention.

24 – Your vehicle wasn’t parked correctly within the bay markings.

 

[Fisherman]

Getting used my 6.3m instead of previous 6m van, I was street parking in Durham yesterday in a metered bay, parallel to the kerb. My back end was within the bay but the front was overhanging into the next bay. A traffic warden just happened to be passing. I asked if I would be considered to be legally in the bay. Was told as long as your wheels are within the bay markings you are fine. We don't worry about overhangs front or back.
While it helped me, it didn't really make sense as I was encroaching on the next bay.
I'm now wondering if this is a general rule, or if it varies from one authority to another. I'm sure I've read somewhere that it's the position of the whole vehicle that matters, not just the wheels.

We also have a 6.3m van, and I try to park up with a grass area or spare land to the rear of the parking bay, parking the overhang over this. This traffic warden was merely stating what they did at this carpark, but as a rule your van must be parked within the parking bay.

 

[trevskoda]

Time folk kicked up about to much parking restrictions as 90% of the time its a money making racket.

 

[RSD7a]

We also have a 6.3m van, and I try to park up with a grass area or spare land to the rear of the parking bay, parking the overhang over this. This traffic warden was merely stating what they did at this carpark, but as a rule your van must be parked within the parking bay.

Yes, me too. Except on this occasion it wasn't a car park. As stated it was metered street parking parallel to the kerb.

 

[maingate]

In the North East we don't care if you have a big backside.

 

[alcam]

It's a general misconception that only the wheels need to be within the marked bay.

In general the entire vehicle needs to be within the marked bay, that's the rules.

And the contravention.

24 – Your vehicle wasn’t parked correctly within the bay markings.

I'm not sure that is the case . Certainly as long as you're wheels are within the markings you are ok . Whether that is the letter of the law or not I don't know but it is how it is applied all over uk .

 

[mark61]

I'm not sure that is the case . Certainly as long as you're wheels are within the markings you are ok . Whether that is the letter of the law or not I don't know but it is how it is applied all over uk .

It's not how it's applied across all over the UK, I will agree though that a blind eye is often given if you stray out of the marked space. In London, I'd give it 50/50 chance. What is worse, your mirrors should be within the width of the bay too, mine never are, but pleased to say I have never got a ticket for that. I have for overhanging a marked bay. As per the OP, I'm talking street parking here, not car parks.

 

[Norfolk NewBoy]

I was in a carpark (can't remember where) which stated that MHs were not allowed to overhang the grass behind the parking bays. BE CAREFUL!

 

[colinm]

I'm now wondering if this is a general rule, or if it varies from one authority to another. I'm sure I've read somewhere that it's the position of the whole vehicle that matters, not just the wheels.

Unfortunaly it varies by authority,

 

[alcam]

It's not how it's applied across all over the UK, I will agree though that a blind eye is often given if you stray out of the marked space. In London, I'd give it 50/50 chance. What is worse, your mirrors should be within the width of the bay too, mine never are, but pleased to say I have never got a ticket for that. I have for overhanging a marked bay. As per the OP, I'm talking street parking here, not car parks.

Technically I'm sure you're right Mark . Should have said it is in my experience (street parking) . As often as possible I speak to any nearby wardens and they confirm this .
Many modern (non motorhome) vehicles are huge and will overhang the markings at least slightly. Think it would be totally unworkable to apply the law strictly

 

[r4dent]

My opinion, and it is just an opinion like every other 'statement' in this post, is that all of the vehicle (length ways and width ways) must be in the bay.
No one has posted anything that proves either version of the rules.

If you vehicle is too long or too wide for a bay move on.

Park with your front or rear overhang in the next bay if you like, but don't expect my sympathy if you get a ticket.

 

[trevskoda]

I have seen parking wardens get a hammering here amd there camera recording device taken, there is no inforcement in some zones due to this.

 

[colinm]

My opinion, and it is just an opinion like every other 'statement' in this post, is that all of the vehicle (length ways and width ways) must be in the bay.
No one has posted anything that proves either version of the rules.

If you vehicle is too long or too wide for a bay move on.

Park with your front or rear overhang in the next bay if you like, but don't expect my sympathy if you get a ticket.

Like RSD7a, my post is from experience of talking to traffic wardens, and also guidance from NI.gov which at one time showed photos of acceptable and unacceptable parking, and in that case acceptable was the wheels within bay not the bodywork, I can't find that guidance atm if I do find it I'll post on here.

 

[trevskoda]

All the towns here have differant restrictions so hard to keep up

 

[colinm]

Got it, page 42, one full wheel outside bay is a contravention code 24 in NI, this does not mean the same rule applies in england/wales/scotland.

https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/parking-enforcement-protocol-may2024.pdf

 

[alcam]

Got it, page 42, one full wheel outside bay is a contravention code 24 in NI, this does not mean the same rule applies in england/wales/scotland.

https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/parking-enforcement-protocol-may2024.pdf

Interesting that it is the same contravention[24] quoted already . Specifically stating wheel outside markings . Though , as you say , not necessarily applicable in Scotland etc .
Do think this is the convention even though not the actual law .
I will continue as before with gay abandon ,
Other forms of abandon are available

 

[barryd]

ChatGPT reckons it depends on the local council.

In the UK, parking regulations for motorhomes in metered bays can vary depending on local council policies. Here's a general overview:MotorhomeFun+1uk.legal.narkive.com+1

General Guidelines​

• Wheels Within Bay Markings: Many councils stipulate that all wheels must be within the marked bay. For instance, Contravention Code 24 refers to vehicles not parked correctly within the markings of a bay or space, emphasizing that all wheels should be within the bay .MotorhomeFunThe Caravan Club+4Penalty Charge Notice+4Reddit+4
• Vehicle Overhang: Some councils require the entire vehicle, including any overhangs, to be within the bay. For example, Torbay Council specifies that vehicles must fit entirely within the bay markings and not overhang any part of the bay .Out and About Live Forums+1Reddit+1whitbycommunitynetwork.org

Practical Considerations​

• Obstruction: Even if your wheels are within the bay, overhanging into adjacent bays or over pavements can be considered an obstruction, potentially leading to a penalty.Practical Caravan Forums
• Local Variations: Regulations can differ between councils. Some may be more lenient regarding overhangs, especially if they don't impede other vehicles or pedestrians. However, others may enforce stricter rules.MotorhomeFunClub Togetheruk.legal.narkive.com

Recommendations​

• Check Local Regulations: Before parking, consult the specific council's parking regulations or contact them directly to understand their policies regarding motorhome parking and overhangs.
• Avoid Obstruction: Ensure that your vehicle does not obstruct adjacent bays, pavements, or roadways.
• Consider Alternative Parking: If standard bays are too small, look for designated motorhome parking areas or larger bays designed to accommodate longer vehicles.

By adhering to local regulations and being mindful of potential obstructions, you can minimize the risk of receiving a penalty when parking your motorhome.

 

[colinm]

By adhering to local regulations and being mindful of potential obstructions, you can minimize the risk of receiving a penalty when parking your motorhome.

The problem then is knowing what the local regulations are, it's very rare(if ever?) that signage will stipulate if keeping vehicle within bay refers to wheels or bodywork. As above, if there's a traffic warden about then you can ask, after all they are the ones who will give you a ticket, otherwise you either have to check with each council, or abandon parking. It would be very helpful if every council followed the same guidelines.
Anyway back to OP, I find with most parking bays the wheels on our 6.36m XLWB van just fit in the bay, and the LWB 6m vans have the exact same distance between wheels, so the only differance is the amount of overhang.