Motorists face a £70 parking fine for being ‘inconsiderate’

Motorists who park ‘inconsiderately’ could be fined £70 under a ruling that eliminates the need for warning signs or road-markings.

The AA said last night that the new rules mean drivers could unwittingly incur a parking fine and have no chance of a successful appeal.

The motoring group condemned the move as ‘unfair’ and ‘very dodgy’.

The changes were announced yesterday by the Government in what it termed a crackdown on ‘ inconsiderate parking’.

Councils are to be given new powers to issue tickets to drivers who park 18in from the pavement – called double-parking – or who block driveways or obstruct pavements lowered for wheelchairs or prams.

The changes mean that drivers can be prosecuted for such infringements even if there is no sign or road marking alerting them to any potential offence.

The Government paper says: ‘The police may take action against a vehicle that is parked causing an unnecessary obstruction whether or not this is indicated.

‘Motorists know they should not double-park or park at dropped footways, and signs indicating these prohibitions are not necessary.’

But AA spokesman Paul Watters said: ‘It is shocking and very dodgy. This will result in a parking free-for all. It is totally unfair.

‘If there are no road signs or road markings, there’s no chance of winning an appeal. It’s the parking warden’s word against yours.’