More than 1.6 million Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued to drivers last year for parking illegally on single or double yellow lines, it has been revealed.

The staggering number of motorists fined under contravention code 01 - 'Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours' - has been described as a sign of the 'tension between regulation and reality' by the AA. Yellow line infringements are one of the most common parking violations nationwide, but the motoring group's report found that 'enforcement is not enough' to crackdown on the problem. The root cause - it says - is the lack of parking bays on offer, with drivers struggling to find a space, especially in busy areas. However, this is more likely a result of motorists not being able to find a car park that's free of charge.

Nearly two-fifths of drivers surveyed by the AA admitting to parking on double yellow lines at least once. One in 10 admitting they are repeat offenders. But the majority of drivers say more parking options would prevent parking on double yellow lines - 52 per cent of drivers argue it would be the most effective deterrent. The AA surveyed 15,000 UK drivers and found that the most common reasons for parking on double yellow lines include loading or unloading goods (43 per cent), making a quick stop (31 per cent) or being with someone who has a Blue Badge (27 per cent).

Crucially, 18 per cent of respondents said that a lack of available parking spaces in busy areas was their reason for parking illegally. Responses also showed a growing frustration among drivers who feel that limited parking availability often forces them into difficult decisions. Unsurprisingly, London (55 per cent) and the South East (54 per cent) placed a stronger emphasis than other regions on the need for more parking facilities, highlighting the impact of urban parking scarcity. It's suggested that enforcement is present but not universal as only 13 per cent of those who parked illegally reported receiving a fine.

The data also suggests that while enforcement plays a role, many drivers are looking for infrastructure improvements and clearer communication to help them comply with parking rules. Parking rules as set out by the the Highway Code are stipulate that double yellow lines signify parking or waiting is prohibited at all times, even in the absence of accompanying signs. But certain exceptions do apply: on occasions drivers may breakdown on yellow lines and leniency should be shown until breakdown assistance arrives and fixes or moves the vehicle. The AA's huge poll also found that half of drivers believe illegal parking on double yellow lines has become a scourge where they live. The nationwide survey revealed a growing frustration with motorists who flout parking regulations - particularly in busy urban areas where visibility, access, and safety are paramount.

The study found that a third of respondents said it isn't a very serious problem in their area, and 11 per cent dismissed it as not a problem at all. However, these could be people living in busy cities - especially London - where parking wardens are prevalent and unrelenting, which proves to be the best deterrent for rule breakers. In fact, regional differences suggest that locality plays a major role in how the issue is perceived up and down the country. Drivers in the West Midlands and North West England expressed the highest level of concern, with 55 per cent identifying it as a serious issue. In contrast, only 47 per cent of drivers in Eastern England felt the same.

Where are the most yellow line fines handed out?

Of the 1.6 million PCNs issued, over half a million (581,965) came from just ten councils. Five of these councils are in London, with other major metropolitan cities also featuring in the top ten. Based on a standard charge of £70 per PCN, these councils collectively raised over £40 million from penalty charges in 2024.

Which areas are most likely to park illegally? And how do opinions differ?

Regionally, Scotland and Wales showed the highest rates of occasional violations, both at 10 per cent, compared to the national average of eight per cent. This could reflect the unique parking pressures in semi-urban and rural communities, where infrastructure and enforcement vary more widely. These regions also placed greater emphasis on the need for clearer signage and increased legal parking availability.

Eastern England (43 per cent), Yorkshire & the Humber (42 per cent) and the Midlands (42 per cent) were more likely to call for visible enforcement as a deterrent, suggesting regional differences in how drivers perceive and respond to parking restrictions. Overall, 41 per cent of people want more visible enforcement, 25 per cent want higher fines, 18 per cent want better signage and 16 per cent want public awareness campaigns. Younger drivers (18-34) were less likely than older drivers to admit to parking on double yellow lines (29-35 per cent versus 38 per cent) and were more likely to support better signage (31 per cent) and higher fines (31 per cent). Older drivers (65+) showed stronger support for more legal parking options (52 per cent) and visible enforcement (40 per cent), while being less supportive of signage (16 per cent).

Men were more likely to park on double yellow lines than women, with 40 per cent of men and 28 per cent of women admitted to parking on double yellow lines at least once. Jack Cousens, AA Parking Expert, said: 'What is clear is that drivers are asking for practical parking solutions. Expanding legal parking provisions and improving visibility of restrictions could significantly reduce violations and improve road safety. 'This is a call to action for councils and transport planners. The data shows that drivers are willing to follow the rules - but they need the tools to do so. A combination of infrastructure investment, education, and smart enforcement is the way forward.'

Double yellow line fines soar amid parking shortage