Overview

• Highway Code Rule 248 forbids parking at night facing against the flow of traffic unless the vehicle is in a recognised bay.
• Reports say penalties can reach £1,000 for cars and up to £2,500 for goods vehicles or minibuses, with enforcement by police and local councils.
• Motoring experts stress the safety risk because rear reflectors do not face oncoming traffic when a car is parked the wrong way in the dark.
• Guidance highlighted by the RAC includes switching off headlights and fog lights, applying the handbrake, and using parking lights on roads over 30mph.
• Advisers from MoneySuperMarket and Motor Guards UK urge drivers to turn their cars to face the correct direction at night as enforcement becomes stricter.