parking near a junction

ali-t

One of my neighbours (who I don't know but he felt the need to inform me) mentioned in passing to me that I park my car illegally when I leave it outside my house as it is within x amount of metres of a junction.

My street is a bit strange as there is a junction slap bang in the middle of it. It is an 'avenue' and runs straight and has two roads coming off it, 1 to the left which has a defined junction (a T junction I think it is called) and one further up to the right.

The one to the right doesn't have a junction coming off it and the road runs directly into my street and up it although it would make more sense to have it as a T-junction.

It is quite hard to describe but essentially 2 streets run into each other without a junction and one street is cut in half. It is like someone read the instructions wrong on line painting day.

Anyway my question is, am I breaking the law by parking my car at a junction? It is on a straight road, with no impairment to visibility.

I would post a google maps link but don't want to advertise where I live.

ariba10

I would suggest you invest £1.50 in a copy of the Highway Code.

KillerWatt

ali-t wrote: »

One of my neighbours (who I don't know but he felt the need to inform me) mentioned in passing to me that I park my car illegally when I leave it outside my house as it is within x amount of metres of a junction.

My street is a bit strange as there is a junction slap bang in the middle of it. It is an 'avenue' and runs straight and has two roads coming off it, 1 to the left which has a defined junction (a T junction I think it is called) and one further up to the right.

The one to the right doesn't have a junction coming off it and the road runs directly into my street and up it although it would make more sense to have it as a T-junction.

It is quite hard to describe but essentially 2 streets run into each other without a junction and one street is cut in half. It is like someone read the instructions wrong on line painting day.

Anyway my question is, am I breaking the law by parking my car at a junction? It is on a straight road, with no impairment to visibility.

I would post a google maps link but don't want to advertise where I live.

Doesn't matter what the road layout is, rule 217 of the Highway Code applies regardless.

ali-t

I have looked at the highway code and the bit I saw that was relevant comes under rule 243 that is a 'must not' but doesn't say it is breaking the law. Other things under the same heading include not parking at the top of a hill but I have never seen anyone get a ticket for parking at the top of a hill!

KillerWatt

ali-t wrote: »

I have looked at the highway code and the bit I saw that was relevant comes under rule 243 that is a 'must not' but doesn't say it is breaking the law. Other things under the same heading include not parking at the top of a hill but I have never seen anyone get a ticket for parking at the top of a hill!

What do you think the phrase "MUST NOT" means?

In the case of your query, it is rule 217 that applies.

anewman

It's good sense not to obstruct other road users. In most places it seems double yellows are painted to help along those who don't know you shouldn't park close to a junction.

ali-t

KillerWatt wrote: »

What do you think the phrase "MUST NOT" means?

In the case of your query, it is rule 217 that applies.

I was questionning the content as many of the other sections have written under them what law they relate to. This section doesnt' have that so I thought it was more of a recommendation like not parking in disabled spaces rather than a law that you could be prosecuted for breaking. FWIW I don't park in disabled spaces though!

System

It is not illegal.
However the list in rule 243 MAY be construed as offences under RTA Sect 22 (rule 242). However each case is decided on its merits as to whether it is dangerous or an obstruction.

Note that rule 243 is DO NOT which is advice only.

Although failure to comply with the other rules of the Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts (see 'The road user and the law') to establish liability. This includes rules which use advisory wording such as ‘should/should not’ or ‘do/do not’.

ali-t

Thanks !!!!!!, that is what I was getting at. Was my neighbour telling me porkies about the legality.

DaveF327

KillerWatt wrote: »

Doesn't matter what the road layout is, rule 217 of the Highway Code applies regardless.

KillerWatt wrote: »

In the case of your query, it is rule 217 that applies.

Sorry for a Red Dwarf moment, but
*Kryten voice* "Rule 217: Learners and inexperienced drivers. They may not be so skilful at anticipating and responding to events. Be particularly patient with learner drivers and young drivers. Drivers who have recently passed their test may display a ‘new driver’ plate or sticker (see 'Safety code for new drivers')."

Methinks you have an old Highway Code

To clarify the legality, as !!!!!! correctly says, parking within 10 metres of a junction is not an offence in its own right, but if you were to be sued or charged with any other offence to which your parking position may be relevant, this fact can be used in any proceedings by any party.

However, the 10 metre rule only becomes law in the case of unlit parking at night. You can be charged with parking without lights if you are within 10 metres of a junction or in other various circumstances as specified in the lighting regulations.

verybigchris

KillerWatt wrote: »

In the case of your query, it is rule 217 that applies.

I think you need a new copy of the Highway Code

Rule 217 says: "Learners and inexperienced drivers. They may not be so skilful at anticipating and responding to events. Be particularly patient with learner drivers and young drivers. Drivers who have recently passed their test may display a ‘new driver’ plate or sticker (see 'Safety code for new drivers')."

Rule 217 here
Rule 243 (and other parking related stuff) here

EDIT: DaveF327 beat me to it!!