Highway Code: Can you park on faded double yellow lines?

Single, double and red painted lines are the standard markings used on all UK roads to signify if and for how long drivers can park on the side of certain roads.

But many around the country through the passing of time and worn through use can fade, almost to the point where they are barely visible.

So can drivers park on those roads where the yellow markings have faded and not as easy to spot?

Well it seems a grey area and very much up to people's interpretation of how visible the markings are.

But experts say that chances are against if you attempt to park somewhere there has the remnants of markings.

A test case seemed to take place in Southend where a driver got in a legal row with the council after getting stung with £400 in fines because he parked on faded double yellow lines.

David Lamprell believes he is taking advantage of a legal loophole to squeeze his car into a “gap” in the markings opposite his home.

The mechanical engineer claims that because the markings have been “broken’”the restrictions are invalid.

But  Southend Council said “faded yellow lines do not mean the restriction is not valid”.

David, from Southend, said: “I’m not trying to avoid the law, I’m actually sticking to the law.

“People think ‘they’re double yellow lines and that’s the end of it’ and you can’t fight the system, but I’ve dealt with the system for a long time now.

“I looked at the law and it says if the double yellow line is broken then I can park on it, so I parked on it.

“It’s just frustrating because it’s draining my time.

“If the law states you can’t get a ticket for being on double yellow lines, then you can’t. No matter what they try to push on you, you have to let them know that they’re not right.

“People don’t understand my situation. I don’t have anywhere else to park, so I had to find somewhere to park.

“They’re not getting a penny from me. I’ve dealt with people before and I’ve been pushed over.

I’ve learned every single time what I can and can’t do.

“That’s what the courts are there for and I’d be confident that, if it got to that, I’d be fine. I’ve not got a single worry about that.”

Ron Woodley, cabinet member for transport at the council, said “Faded yellow lines do not mean that the restriction is not valid and as such penalty charge notices (PCNs) can be issued.

“The issuing of PCNs is not discretionary and if a civil enforcement officer feels that a vehicle is in breach of a parking law, then a PCN may be issued.

“We cannot comment publicly on any individual’s personal case. We have a robust system in place for motorists to challenge penalty charge notices, including a stage where an independent adjudicator will review all of the evidence provided.”

Speaking on this case in the Daily Mail, 

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA, said: 'Had the lines all the way down that stretch been as worn as the first line on both double yellows, I think potentially anybody who has been pinged by that has got a stronger argument to say the condition of the double yellow lines are incredibly hard to see and they need to be repainted.

'Even in this condition they need to be repainted. However there are enough clues there to show the double yellow lines are there and are enforceable.

'My disappointment is with the local authority saying they can't be expected to have immaculate lines. Nobody's saying you should have immaculate lines, but what people are saying is they have to be at least recognisable enough to know what you want drivers to do or not to do.'

Kerb markings

Single yellow marks on the kerb indicate there is a loading ban during certain times as displayed on the nearby street sign. Please check the times on the sign.

Double yellow kerb marks mean no stopping at any time.