Is it legal to stand in a parking spot to save it?
ONCE in a while, a bold driver tempts fate by reserving a space with their feet - but does this strategy stand up?
Drivers fighting for parking spots is a tale as old as time. Some people have found ingenious ways to get their hands - and feet - on open spaces.
Is it illegal to stand in a parking spot to save it?
It is legal to simply stand in a parking space.
You can stand there until your car or a friends car arrives and fills the gap, whether or not another driver believes differently.
However, the situation can easily get complicated.
What is the parking space law in the UK?
An occupier of a space or a waiting driver could be breaking the law.
A driver who behaves aggressively and tries to intimidate a standing person could be liable for dangerous driving.
If they are found to be liable they could be facing a £1000 fine.
However, a pedestrian who is proven to be a "nuisance" by blocking a space can also find themselves in trouble.
A can be issued a £100 fixed penalty notice according to the government website.
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One aggrieved motorist wrote on legal forum : "I had this happen to me at a train station and have now had British Transport Police after me saying I used the car threateningly.
"I did not hit the person or abuse them, I just drove into parking space. Then she took my picture and car pic and registration and reported me."
Justanswer.co.uk admin Jo replied to the driver: "Obviously a person has no basis in law to stand in a space to save it for others.
"However, if the allegation is that you drove at a person doing this, I'm afraid that is an offence.
"The difficulty here is that this is the classic case of two wrongs not making a right."
Is it illegal to put cones in a parking space?
You cannot use traffic cones to reserve a parking space.
Under section 137 of the Highways Act 1980, it is an offence to "without lawful authority or excuse, in any way wilfully obstructs the free passage along a highway he is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding £50."
Councils also frown upon people who cone-off a space outside their home to prevent cars from parking there or to reserve a space for themselves.
Wheelie bins and traffic cones can been seen outside homes across the country and whilst it's unlikely you'll receive a fine but councils state it's "not permitted" and officials can remove them if neccessary.
Blue-badge holders can have reserved parking spaces installed under certain circumstances.
You should contact your local council to discuss this.
Parking has ignited debates among school runners in Leicester, where cars have torn up grass by a local primary.
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Here's what you need to know about parking on a single yellow line.
And a car park war in Kent got vicious when someone tried to reserve a space by standing in it.
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