What do white zig-zag lines on the road mean and can I be fined for parking on them?

DRIVERS in the UK must adhere to the important markings that can be seen on the roads.

White zig-zag lines are just one of the many road markings that motorists need to be aware of – but the paintwork can be puzzling to many.

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It is important that drivers in the UK follow the rules of of the white zig-zag lines painted on roadsCredit: Alamy What do white zig-zag lines mean?

White zig-zag lines painted on roads in the UK mark an entry and exit to a pedestrian crossing.

Parking and overtaking in these particular zones is strictly prohibited, as is indicated by the road markings.

According to the Highway Code: “You MUST NOT park on a crossing or in the area covered by the zig-zag lines.”

This is because white zig-zag lines provide pedestrians, children and staff a clear, unobstructed view of the road in front of them.

Drivers must follow the same rules when they see yellow zig-zag lines, which can be found outside schools, hospitals, police and fire stations.

Motorists are permitted to park on yellow zig-zags outside of the times shown on the sign.

White zig-zag road markings, however, are enforced 24-hours a day, every day.

Can I be fined for parking on white zig-zag lines?

Motorists risk a fine and penalty points by parking on white or yellow zig-zag lines.

Yellow zig-zags need an accompanying sign to be legally enforceable.

White lines, on the other hand, are enforced by local authorities and the police, and do not require a sign to be enforceable.

How much is a parking fine?

White zig-zag lines are classed as dual enforcement restrictions, meaning both the police and the council can impose penalties for breaking the rules.

As parking on white zig-zag lines puts pedestrians at risk, police will almost always issue a Fixed Penalty Notice without exceptions.

A police fine also carries penalty points.

PCN fines for parking on white zig-zag lines are usually in the region of £70, but are reduced by 50 percent if paid within the times displayed on the ticket.

A police fixed penalty fine for the offence will be £100 plus three points on the driver’s licence.

Refusal to pay is likely to see the matter go to court, or a driver training course may offered.

It is possible to fight a penalty if you think you’ve been unfairly charged.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that the fine may increase if your appeal is unsuccessful.

Parking on zig-zag lines, especially white zig-zags, is difficult to dispute if a given penalty and few exceptions are given.

One example of an exception could be if you stopped because of an emergency such as helping a person who is injured.

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