But steer clear of yellow lines

On Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and the three bank holidays that fall on December 27, 28 and January 3, motorists can park for free in all controlled parking zones. Their vehicles will not have to display any permit or pay and display ticket.

Where not to park?
However drivers could receive a ticket if they leave their vehicle on a yellow line on any of the three bank holidays. Yellow line restrictions remain in force on bank holidays because most are situated at locations where parked vehicles could be dangerous or cause an obstruction by blocking sight lines for pedestrians and other road users.

Enforcement action could also be taken against vehicles obstructing driveways and those that park unlawfully in specialist bays such as doctors' bays and mandatory disabled bays.

It is also illegal to park in front of dropped kerbs. These facilities - which are found on virtually every street corner - ensure that disabled pedestrians and parents with pushchairs can safely cross the road. As well as receiving a penalty notice, vehicles that park in these locations could also be towed away.

Technical services director Tony McDonald said:
"The vast majority of yellow line restrictions - especially those on street corners - remain in force on bank holidays.  Drivers can check what the rules are for each specific yellow line by looking at the small yellow signs that are attached to adjacent posts. These will tell you the days of the week and the hours of the day when the restrictions are in force.

"If the yellow sign says that parking is outlawed Monday to Friday, then that will include all bank holidays that fall on those days."

December 24, 2010