On 30 November 2009 there will be some new rules for parking

Slip lane

Stopping to park in a slip lane or on a painted island will be prohibited.

A slip lane is an area of road for vehicles turning left. It is separated from other parts of the road by a painted island or traffic island.

Parallel parking

Another rule relating to parking relates to parallel parking and the line marking on the road.

Unless parking signs show otherwise, and provided there is at least three metres of clear road between your car and the centre dividing line for other cars to pass (see diagram in figure 1), you can park opposite:

• double continuous dividing lines
• a single continuous dividing line
• a single continuous line to the left or right of a broken dividing line
• a dividing strip.

However, you are permitted to park opposite a broken line without leaving three metres clear between your parked car and the broken dividing line.

Heavy vehicles

Heavy or long vehicles cannot be parked on a road in a built-up area for longer than one hour, unless parking signs specifically show otherwise or the driver is picking up or setting down goods.

What you have to do

As a driver, don' park in a slip lane or on a painted island.

If you are parking opposite a single line, double lines or a dividing strip, keep at least three metres of road clear for traffic (unless there is a sign to show differently).

Road safety reason

Cars stopped to park in a slip lane or on a painted island disrupt the flow of traffic, as does parking too close to dividing lines. This creates a dangerous situation for road users.

• Fact Sheet(84KB)