1 week Ago By Jack Mortimer
An automotive expert has urged drivers to avoid a simple parking mistake that more than a fifth of motorists have admitted to - putting them at risk of fines . Choosing the right parking space can be a frustrating experience, with tight bays causing some motorists to fear that neighbouring vehicles could damage their car. But whilst it is only natural for drivers to want to take precautions to keep their car safe, Tim Rodie from Motorpoint warned that they must never leave their vehicle parked across multiple bays .
He said: "While I can empathise with motorists who are worried about their car getting damaged in a busy car park , parking across two bays isn’t the answer. Not only does it leave car owners at risk of being fined, but selfish parking habits can exacerbate the issue motorists have parking their vehicles – adding to congestion and making the whole process slower." Whilst there is growing trend towards safe and rugged-looking SUVs that are longer and wider than more conventional types of car, the regulations surrounding parking spaces in the UK have not been updated since 1976.
As a result, drivers may be tempted to increase the gap between their car and other vehicles by parking in the middle of two bays. According to Motorpoint's study of 2,000 drivers, a staggering 21% stated that they have followed this practice to keep their car safe - with the figure doubling for motorists aged between 25 and 34. However, whilst parking over multiple bays can lower the risk of damage and be more convenient for occupants, it is often against the rules set by parking companies, with offenders running the risk of a penalty charge notice (PCN) of up to £130.
To avoid being fined and keep their vehicle safe, Tim recommended that damage-conscious drivers leave their car in a quieter part of the car park, typically located further away from their destination. He added: "If you are really worried about your car being damaged while parked in a car park, your best option is to park towards the back of a car park where it’s normally quieter and you’re less likely to have other vehicles park directly next to you.".
