Waiting and Parking

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Slide 0: Master the Curb : The UK Highway Code Guide to Waiting and Parking THE ESSENTIALS OF SAFE PARKING Secure Your Vehicle Every Time When stopping at the roadside , you must switch off the engine / fighte , apply the handbrake , and lock the vehicle , ensuring all valuables are out of sight . Use the ' Dutch Reach ' Technique Open your door using the hand on the opposite side ( e.g. , left hand for a right - side door ) to force a shoulder check for passing cyclists and motorcyclists . Park with the Flow Do not park facing against the traffic flow during the day , and stop as close to the side of the road as possible . PROHIBITED ZONES ( The ' MUST NOTS ' ) Yellow Lines & School Markings Double yellow lines . No walting at any time Single lines : Oovemed by times on opright signs School entrance markings : Governed by times on signs Pavement Parking Bans Pavement Parking : Strictly prohibited in London and Scotland , obstructs wheelchairs , prams , and visually impaired Critical No - Stop Zones Motorway hard shoolders ( escept emergencice ) Clearways Pedestrian crossings ( including sig.cags ) Cycle tracks Reserved Spaces Blue Badge holders Motorcycles Residents Do not use reserved bays unless entitled PARKING AT NIGHT & SPECIAL CONDITIONS The 30 mph Lighting Rule DANGEROUS OBSTRUCTIONS ( The ' DO NOTs ' ) The 10 - Metre Junction Rule Do not stop or park opposite or within 10 metres of a junction , except in authorised space . Parking on Hills : Uphill vs. Downhill Blockage Hotspots School entrances Bus stops Taxi ranks Locations preventing access for Emergency Services Protect Access for All: Never park where the keth has been lowered for wheelchair users , powered mobility vehicles , or property entrances . Parking in Fog Below 30 mgh : Small vehicles can park without lights if 10m from junction . Over 30 mgh : Parked vehicles toust display parking lights . Facing Uphill : Forward Gear , turn wheel AWAY from kerb . Facing Downhill : Reverse Gear , turn wheel TOWARDS the kerb . Automatic Gearbox : ' Park ' Position ( plus steering as above ) . It is highly dangerous to park on a road in fog , If unavaidable , you must laove parking lights or sidslights on . Slide 1: The Highway Blueprint : A Visual Guide to UK Waiting & Parking Rules Translating dense regulations into practical , spatial strategies for the modern driver . Derived from Highway Code Rules 238 to 252 . Slide 2: The Four Pillars of Parking Strategy Legality Respecting absolute prohibitions , zone entries , and decriminalised enforcement boundaries . Visibility Managing night lighting , fog conditions , and positioning to ensure approaching traffic has maximum reaction time . Courtesy Preserving flow and access for emergency services , cyclists , wheelchair users , and specific vehicle classes . Security Securing the vehicle against gravity , theft , and accidental door - openings . Slide 3: Decoding the Language of the Highway Code Absolute Law - Indicates a strict legal prohibition ( e.g. , RTRA , CUR , RVLR laws ) . - No ambiguity . Violations result in immediate penalties . - Examples : Yellow lines during operation , pedestrian zig - zags , dangerous positions causing unnecessary obstruction . Safety Advisory - Indicates a highly dangerous action that compromises safety or courtesy . · Can be overridden ONLY when forced to do so by stationary traffic . - Examples : Near school entrances , brows of hills , or opposite traffic islands . Slide 4: Absolute Physical Boundaries Motorways : Carriageway , emergency areas , and hard shoulders ( except emergencies ) . Crossings : Pedestrian crossings and zig - zag line areas . Lanes : Cycle tracks , tram lanes , and designated bus lanes . Exception Note : Dropping off / picking up passengers is the only permitted action on urban clearways and double white lines . Road Lines : Any road marked with double white lines ( even if broken on your side ) . Red Routes : Red lines designating specially designated routes . Slide 5: Navigating Proximity and Hazards The 10 - Metre Rule : Do not park opposite or within 10 metres ( 32 feet ) of a junction . Elevation & Curves : Avoid parking near the brow of a hump bridge , hill , or on a bend . Access Points : Keep clear of school entrances , bus / tram stops , level crossing approaches , and property entrances . Choke Points : Do not park opposite a traffic island or another parked vehicle if it causes an obstruction . Scottish Law Upgrades In Scotland , double parking and parking at lowered kerbs for pedestrians / cyclists are upgraded to absolute MUST NOT legal prohibitions . Slide 6: Pavement and Kerb - side Regulations The Pavement Ban : You MUST NOT park wholly or partially on pavements in London or Scotland . Elsewhere , you should not do so to avoid inconveniencing wheelchairs , visual impairments , or prams . Lowered Kerbs : Designed for powered mobility vehicles and pedestrians . Parking here is strictly forbidden . Loading Restrictions : Yellow markings on the upright kerb face indicate loading / unloading restrictions . Always check upright signs . Slide 7: Special Categories and Exceptions Blue Badge Holders Never stop too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge ; the occupant requires extra door clearance to enter or exit safely . Reserved bays are legally protected ( MUST NOT use unless entitled ) . Heavy Goods Vehicles Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes ( laden weight ) MUST NOT park on verges , pavements , or central reservations without police permission . EV Charging Park close to the charge point . Trail cables neatly to avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians . Display a warning sign if possible , and neatly return cables after use . Exception : Essential loading , provided the vehicle is never left unattended . Slide 8: Executing the Roadside Park Positioning Do not park facing against traffic flow . Stop as close to the side as possible . Securing the Vehicle You MUST switch off the engine , headlights , and fog lights . You MUST apply the handbrake firmly before exiting . Hand - Held Parking Devices If using remote tech to park , you MUST remain in control , prioritize the shortest / safest route , and use the device for absolutely nothing else while parking . Passenger Safety Ensure passengers ( especially children ) exit onto the kerb side , not into traffic . Final Lock Put all valuables out of sight and securely lock the vehicle . Slide 9: Breaking the Blind Spot : The Dutch Reach The Mechanics of Rule 239 : - Opening the door with the opposite hand forces torso rotation . - This physical rotation naturally breaks the vehicle's rear blind spot . - Approaching cyclists , motorcyclists , or pedestrians are spotted before the door swings open . Slide 10: Gravitational Locks on Inclines Facing Uphill Gravity Facing Downhill - Select a forward gear . - Turn the steering wheel AWAY from the kerb . - Gravity pushes the car backward , using the kerb as a physical chock against the back of the front tire . Note : For automatic gearboxes , always utilize the " Park " setting alongside a firmly applied handbrake . - Select reverse gear . - Turn the steering wheel TOWARDS the kerb . - Gravity pushes the car forward , forcing the front of the tire safely into the kerb . Slide 11: Illumination Rules for Night Parking Is the road's speed limit greater than 30 mph ? ( Heavy vehicles , trailers , projecting loads ) Is your vehicle a car , light goods vehicle ( < 2500 kg ) , motorcycle , or pedal cycle ? You MUST display lights . You may park without lights , ONLY IF you meet all three conditions : 1. Facing the direction of traffic flow . 2. Parked close to the kerb . 3. At least 10 metres ( 32 ft ) away from any junction . You MUST display parking lights . ( Applies to all vehicles and lay - bys ) . Visibility Modifier : Fog It is exceptionally dangerous to park on the road in fog . If unavoidable , parking lights or sidelights MUST be left on regardless of speed limits . Slide 12: The Reality of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement ( DPE ) PENALTY CHARGE NOTICE The Shift Historically managed entirely by the police , parking enforcement is now largely decriminalised across the UK . The Authority Under DPE , the local traffic authority assumes direct responsibility for issuing penalties for parking contraventions instead of the police . The Apparatus Appeals and tribunal processes are handled through dedicated regional bodies rather than criminal courts ( e.g. , London Tribunals inside London , Traffic Penalty Tribunal outside London ) . Takeaway : The Highway Code's strict rules are enforced locally , consistently , and without the need for police intervention . Respect the lines , respect the space .

📖 DVSA Revision Lesson ⏱️ 10 Min Read ❓ 10 Practice Questions 🌐 68 Languages Support

Last updated: 7 September 2026

📜 Official Lesson Transcript & Audio SRT Dialogue 115 Timestamps

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00:00 All right, let's talk about one of the biggest headaches for any driver in the UK, parking.

00:04 Today, we're going to take the official highway code and turn it into your own personal playbook.

00:09 The goal, to help you park perfectly every single time.

00:12 Let's dive in.

00:13 You know the feeling, right?

00:15 Endlessly circling the block, trying to figure out what the signs even mean,

00:18 and that little voice in your head worrying about getting a ticket?

00:22 Yeah, we've all been there.

00:23 UK parking rules can feel like a total puzzle, but stick with us,

00:27 we're going to show you exactly how all the pieces fit together.

00:31 So first up, we're unlocking the parking code.

00:33 Think of this as your new, simple guide to parking with complete and total confidence.

00:38 Let's kick things off with what we're calling the perfect park.

00:42 This is your pre-exit checklist.

00:44 A simple routine you can do every single time you leave your car to make sure it's safe and secure.

00:49 Okay, so let's walk through it.

00:50 It's second nature, but so important.

00:53 Engine and lights are off.

00:54 Handbrake is on.

00:55 Now, here's the crucial bit.

00:57 Take a second to check your mirrors and what's happening around you.

01:00 Make sure your passengers, especially kids, get out on the curb side away from traffic.

01:05 And finally, hide your valuables and lock up type.

01:08 It's a simple habit that honestly prevents so much trouble.

01:12 And check this out.

01:13 This is a brilliant pro tip from the highway code called the Dutch Reach.

01:16 Instead of using the hand closest to the door, you use your other hand.

01:20 Why?

01:21 Well, it forces your body to twist,

01:22 making you automatically look over your shoulder for cyclists or cars.

01:26 It's such a tiny change inhabit,

01:28 but it can literally save a life by preventing one of those awful,

01:31 dooring accidents.

01:33 Okay, time to get serious.

01:35 Whenever you see the words must not in the highway code,

01:38 that's not just a suggestion.

01:39 It's the law.

01:41 Breaking these rules means fines, penalty points, or even worse.

01:45 These are the absolute non-negotiables of parking.

01:48 And the bottom line here is just don't do it.

01:51 We're talking double yellow lines,

01:53 the zigzags near a pedestrian crossing,

01:55 and obviously reserved bays for blue badge holders.

01:58 This also means no stopping on a motorway hard shoulder

02:01 unless it's a real emergency.

02:03 Breaking these rules isn't just rude,

02:05 it's straight up illegal, and it will cost you.

02:08 All right, next up are the parking danger zones.

02:11 Now when the highway code says do not,

02:13 it isn't technically a law,

02:15 but it's incredibly strong advice you really, really should follow.

02:18 Ignoring these rules could put you

02:20 or someone else in serious danger.

02:22 This is all about being a smart, safe, and considerate driver.

02:26 And this number right here is the perfect example.

02:29 10 meters.

02:31 So why 10 meters?

02:32 Well, think about it.

02:34 If you park any closer to a junction,

02:36 you're completely blocking the view for drivers

02:38 trying to pull out safety.

02:39 That 10 meter gap is a safety buffer.

02:42 It's what keeps everyone from driving blind into traffic.

02:45 You know, every single one of these has a real world consequence.

02:48 You park too close to a school entrance,

02:50 you're putting kids at risk.

02:52 You block access, you could delay a fire engine,

02:54 or an ambulance getting to an emergency.

02:56 You park on a bend, you're creating a dangerous blind spot.

02:59 See, this isn't just about avoiding a ticket,

03:02 it's about our shared responsibility on the road.

03:05 Right, let's talk about those slightly trickier situations,

03:08 specifically, parking at night,

03:10 and parking on a steep hill.

03:12 Mastering these conditions is a sign of a really great driver.

03:16 The rules for parking at night all boil down to one thing,

03:19 being seen.

03:20 It's simple, really.

03:21 If you're on a faster road,

03:22 so one with a speed limit over 30 miles per hour,

03:25 you must leave your parking lights on.

03:26 But if you're on a slower road,

03:28 so 30 or under,

03:29 you're generally fine without lights,

03:30 as long as you park properly,

03:32 facing the right way and close to the curb.

03:34 And now for one of my absolute favorite tips,

03:36 a super simple way to remember how to park on a hill.

03:39 If you are facing uphill,

03:41 you turn your steering wheel away from the curb.

03:43 Just remember that, up and away.

03:46 Simple as that.

03:47 And you guessed it, if you're facing downhill,

03:49 you turn your wheels towards the curb.

03:52 So what's the logic here?

03:53 It's just simple physics.

03:54 If your handbrake were to fail,

03:56 turning your wheels this way ensures your car

03:58 would just roll gently into the solid curb and stop,

04:01 instead of rolling out into the middle of the road.

04:03 It's a tiny action that acts as a brilliant failsafe.

04:06 So when you put it all together,

04:08 you realize that good parking

04:09 is actually a sign of a great driver.

04:12 It shows you're aware of what's around you,

04:14 you're considerate of others,

04:15 and you get that you have a responsibility

04:16 to keep the roads safe for everyone.

04:19 And that brings me to a final question for you.

04:21 Now that you've got the playbook,

04:22 start looking around when you're out and about.

04:24 What's the one parking rule you see people breaking all the time?

04:28 Paying attention to that stuff

04:29 is a fantastic way to sharpen your own skills

04:31 and become an even better driver.

📖 Waiting and Parking (Rules 238-252)

📌 1. General (Rule 238)

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Rule 238 ↗: You MUST NOT wait or park on yellow lines during the times of operation shown on nearby time plates (or zone entry signs if in a Controlled Parking Zone) – see ‘Traffic signs’ and ‘Road markings’. Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs. You MUST NOT wait or park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers, on school entrance markings (see ‘Road markings’) when upright signs indicate a prohibition of stopping.

📌 2. Parking (Rules 239-247)

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Rule 239 ↗: Use off-street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines on the road as parking places, wherever possible. If you have to stop on the roadside:
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do not park facing against the traffic flow
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stop as close as you can to the side
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do not stop too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge: remember, the occupant may need more room to get in or out
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you MUST switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights
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you MUST apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle
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you MUST ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door. Check for cyclists or other traffic by looking all around and using your mirrors.
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where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side. This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder. You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motorcyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement.
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it is safer for your passengers (especially children) to get out of the vehicle on the side next to the kerb
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put all valuables out of sight and make sure your vehicle is secure
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lock your vehicle.

Before using a hand-held device to help you to park, you MUST make sure it is safe to do so. Then, you should move the vehicle into the parking space in the safest way, and by the shortest route possible. When you use a hand-held device to help you to park, you MUST remain in control of the vehicle at all times. Do not use the hand-held device for anything else while you are using it to help you park, and do not put anyone in danger. Use the hand-held device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When using an electric vehicle charge point, you should park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians from trailing cables. Display a warning sign if you can. After using the charge point, you should return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to pedestrians and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users.

🖼️ Rule 239: Check before opening your door

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Rule 240 ↗: You MUST NOT stop or park on:
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the carriageway, an emergency area or a hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency (see Rules 270 and 271)
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a pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zig-zag lines (see Rule 191 ↗)
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a clearway (see Traffic signs)
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taxi bays as indicated by upright signs and markings
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an urban clearway within its hours of operation, except to pick up or set down passengers (see Traffic signs)
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a road marked with double white lines, even when a broken white line is on your side of the road, except to pick up or set down passengers, or to load or unload goods
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a tram or cycle lane during its period of operation
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a cycle track
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red lines, in the case of specially designated ‘red routes’, unless otherwise indicated by signs. Any vehicle may enter a bus lane to stop, load or unload where this is not prohibited (see Rule 141 ↗).
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Rule 241 ↗: You MUST NOT park in parking spaces reserved for specific users, such as Blue Badge holders, residents or motorcycles, unless entitled to do so.
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Rule 242 ↗: You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.
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Rule 243 ↗: DO NOT stop or park:
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near a school entrance
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anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services
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at or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank
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on the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing
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opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space
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near the brow of a hill or hump bridge
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opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle
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where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane
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where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles
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in front of an entrance to a property
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on a bend
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where you would obstruct cyclists’ use of cycle facilities

except when forced to do so by stationary traffic. In Scotland you MUST NOT double park or park anywhere the kerb has been lowered to help pedestrians or cyclists. Exceptions are allowed in limited circumstances.

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Rule 244 ↗: You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London or Scotland. Exceptions are allowed in limited circumstances. You should not park partially or wholly on the pavement elsewhere unless signs permit it. Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs.
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Rule 245 ↗: Controlled Parking Zones. The zone entry signs indicate the times when the waiting restrictions within the zone are in force. Parking may be allowed in some places at other times. Otherwise parking will be within separately signed and marked bays.
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Rule 246 ↗: Goods vehicles. Vehicles with a maximum laden weight of over 7.5 tonnes (including any trailer) MUST NOT be parked on a verge, pavement or any land situated between carriageways, without police permission. The only exception is when parking is essential for loading and unloading, in which case the vehicle MUST NOT be left unattended.
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Rule 247 ↗: Loading and unloading. Do not load or unload where there are yellow markings on the kerb and upright signs advise restrictions are in place (see ‘Road markings’). This may be permitted where parking is otherwise restricted. On red routes, specially marked and signed bays indicate where and when loading and unloading is permitted.

📌 3. Parking at Night (Rules 248-252)

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Rule 248 ↗: You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.

🖼️ Rule 248

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Rule 249 ↗: All vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (48 km/h).
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Rule 250 ↗: Cars, goods vehicles not exceeding 2500 kg laden weight, invalid carriages, motorcycles and pedal cycles may be parked without lights on a road (or lay-by) with a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) or less if they are:
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at least 10 metres (32 feet) away from any junction, close to the kerb and facing in the direction of the traffic flow
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in a recognised parking place or lay-by.

Other vehicles and trailers, and all vehicles with projecting loads, MUST NOT be left on a road at night without lights.

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Rule 251 ↗: Parking in fog. It is especially dangerous to park on the road in fog. If it is unavoidable, leave your parking lights or sidelights on.
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Rule 252 ↗: Parking on hills. If you park on a hill you should:
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park close to the kerb and apply the handbrake firmly
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select a forward gear and turn your steering wheel away from the kerb when facing uphill
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select reverse gear and turn your steering wheel towards the kerb when facing downhill
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use ‘park’ if your car has an automatic gearbox.

🖼️ Rule 252: Turn your wheels away from the kerb when parking facing uphill. Turn them towards the kerb when parking facing downhill

📌 4. Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE)

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DPE is becoming increasingly common as more authorities take on this role. The local traffic authority assumes responsibility for enforcing many parking contraventions in place of the police.

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