How Parking Fines Work in the UK

The road ahead for parking penalties

From 2026, parking rules shift meaningfully across the UK - and the detail matters. In England, councils gain clearer powers to fine drivers £80 to £150 for blocking dropped kerbs, stopping in restricted-hour cycle lanes, or causing obstruction by stopping over double white lines. Private car parks change too. The old five-minute arrival rule that tripped up drivers at camera-monitored sites will go, replaced by a fairer approach as long as you pay before you leave. Add to this a planned expansion of pavement parking enforcement in England, aligning more closely with London and Scotland where bans already exist, and it is clear the landscape is tightening.

Why now? Persistent complaints from residents, pedestrians, and cyclists have pushed accessibility and safety up the agenda. Pavement parking - particularly blocking pram and wheelchair routes - is a key focus. Councils in counties such as Surrey, Hampshire, and Oxfordshire are preparing fines around £100, supported by national guidance later in 2026. Private operators, meanwhile, are moving under a strengthened code that aims to cap most tickets at £50, improve appeals, and remove threatening language. The intent is proportionate enforcement, not punishment for honest mistakes.

For drivers, the headline is simple: what passed without a ticket last year may not in 2026. Your regular kerb-side spot near a junction, a quick pause across a driveway, or a wheel nudged onto the pavement could bring a fine. If you rely on private car parks at supermarkets or retail parks, signage and payment apps should become clearer and fairer - but prompt payment still matters.

Understanding APR is not just about percentages - and understanding parking rules is not just about signs. Both are about what you will really pay.

A measured approach helps. Check local rules, read signs carefully, and treat pavements, kerb ramps, and cycle lanes as protected spaces. If you do receive a ticket, act quickly. Many penalties reduce if paid early, and clear evidence can win an appeal. Small habits now can save large costs later.

Who needs this guide

If you drive anywhere in Great Britain - whether you are a commuter, tradesperson, delivery driver, school-run parent, or occasional motorist - the 2026 changes affect you. England sees the largest enforcement shift, but private car park rules apply across the UK. London and Scotland already restrict pavement parking more tightly, and Wales often follows similar accessibility principles.

If you habitually park partly on the pavement, squeeze into cycle-lane edges, or pause across a dropped kerb while you unload, you are at higher risk. New powers aim to stop obstruction, not catch people out - but a common shortcut could become a costly mistake. This guide explains the rules simply, what fines really cost, and how to respond with confidence.

Your choices at a glance

1. Park fully on the carriageway where permitted - avoid pavements and kerb ramps.

2. Use marked bays and follow signs - check time limits and restrictions.

3. In private car parks, pay before leaving - keep receipts and app screenshots.

4. If unsure, choose a paid car park over a risky on-street spot.

5. Challenge unfair tickets with evidence - photos, timestamps, and signage details.

6. Consider cashless apps with reminders - reduce accidental overstays.

7. Plan routes that avoid restricted-hour cycle lanes and narrow pavements.

8. Ask residents before blocking driveways - dropped kerbs are enforceable in England from 2026.

What it could mean for your wallet

Short line to remember: a £100 mistake can quickly become £150 if ignored.

Who is eligible to be fined - and when

Any driver or keeper can receive a penalty if their vehicle contravenes restrictions. In England from late spring 2026, councils can enforce against parking across dropped kerbs, blocking cycle lanes during restricted hours, and stopping on double white lines where you cause obstruction. Pavement parking enforcement will expand beyond London through new local powers, likely with area-wide bans that councils can opt into. Some councils may start with warnings before full fines, but you should not rely on grace periods.

In private car parks across the UK, the strengthened industry code aims to cap most charges at £50 and standardise fair signage and appeals. Camera-monitored car parks will stop issuing arrival-time fines if you pay before leaving, which protects you from app delays or queues. However, overstaying, parking outside marked bays, or misuse of disabled or parent-and-child bays remain enforceable. Keep proof of payment and note any poor signage.

Kandoo cannot cancel tickets, but we can help you plan for motoring costs. If a tight month makes a fine unaffordable, consider budgeting tools first. Where essential purchases are needed, responsible finance options may help - but only if affordable.

Simple steps to stay on the right side

1. Read the nearest sign twice before leaving the car.

2. Keep off pavements and away from dropped kerbs entirely.

3. Avoid restricted-hour cycle lanes and junction approaches.

4. Use official bays - check time limits and payment method.

5. In private car parks, pay before exiting and save proof.

6. Photograph unclear signs and your parked position on arrival.

7. If ticketed, act fast - pay early or lodge a clear appeal.

Upsides and watch-outs

Read this before you park up

Local differences matter. London and many Scottish towns already prohibit pavement parking, and England is moving in that direction during 2026. Signs may not list every restriction, so treat pavements, dropped kerbs, and cycle lanes as off-limits unless markings clearly say otherwise. If you are visiting a new area, assume stricter rules and plan a few extra minutes to find a bay. In private car parks, the fairest protection is your own record keeping - screenshot app payments, note entry and exit times, and photograph unclear or obscured signs.

If you receive a ticket, resist the urge to wait. Most penalties rise if left unpaid, and appeal windows are short. A concise appeal with timestamps, photos, and a calm explanation works better than long complaints. If you were genuinely not at fault - for example, signage was contradictory - you have a stronger case under the improved codes. Keep correspondence professional and on time.

Alternatives if space is tight

1. Use a nearby council car park or park-and-ride.

2. Choose paid on-street bays with clear time limits.

3. Book secure off-street parking via an app.

4. Shift travel to off-peak times to find legal spaces.

5. Consider public transport or cycling for short urban trips.

Frequently asked questions

Are pavement parking rules the same across the UK?

No. London and parts of Scotland already restrict pavement parking, with enforcement spreading across England in 2026. Always check local council guidance and signage.

Will private car park fines really drop to £50?

A strengthened industry code aims to cap most charges at £50 and improve appeals. Serious misuse may differ. Read the signs and keep payment proof.

Is the five-minute arrival rule going away?

Yes, for camera-monitored private car parks from early 2026. You will not be fined for entry delays if you pay before leaving. Overstaying or non-payment can still be charged.

What counts as a dropped kerb contravention?

Blocking or partially blocking the kerb ramp that enables wheelchair or driveway access. From 2026, English councils can issue fines up to £150 for obstruction.

Can I stop briefly in a cycle lane?

If it is a restricted-hour lane, stopping or parking risks a fine in England from 2026. Find a legal bay or an unrestricted yellow line where permitted.

Do early payment discounts still apply?

Typically yes. Many penalties reduce by 40 to 50 percent if paid within 14 days. Check the notice for exact terms and deadlines.

How should I appeal a ticket?

Act quickly. Provide photos, timestamps, proof of payment, and a short, factual explanation. Use the official process on the notice or operator website.

How Kandoo can help you

Kandoo is a UK-based retail finance broker. We help you plan for life’s essentials by comparing responsible finance options from a panel of lenders. While we cannot cancel fines, we can support smarter budgeting and provide access to finance for important purchases - only if it is right and affordable for you. Talk to us before you commit.

Important information

This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Parking rules change and vary locally, especially across England in 2026. Always check current signage and council or operator guidance before you park.