Motorists could get fined £1,000 under Highway Code rule for parking the wrong way

Many drivers are unaware that parking their car the wrong way on the street could land them a £1,000 fine.

The rule might seem petty, but it was put in place due to people being killed by vehicles doing just this.

According to Rule 248 of the Highway Code, you must not park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.

But many drivers don't know this.

Some of the Highway Code isn't enshrouded in law but this particular rule is.

The rule is laid down in the Highway Code (Getty)

In fact it is backed up by two laws, which means you could face criminal prosecution for breaking it.

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 and the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 both say drivers must not park on a road at night facing traffic. This means that police could start criminal prosecution if it causes an accident.

According to Scrapcarcomparison.co.uk, vehicles parked the wrong way at night are totally in darkness to drivers passing by and would struggle to see them properly.

This may not apply during the day however as it is easier to see.

A spokesman said: "Motors parked the correct way would be visible and illuminated by headlights bouncing off the rear reflectors.

"We’ve dealt with cars that have been written-off due to a passing car crashing into them as they have partly stuck out from a parking space."

Just this year there was a change to the Highway Code where road users were given a hierarchy.

This meant that new rules were put in place for everyone .

The updated Highway Code rules explains that people cycling should take care when passing parked vehicles making sure that they leave enough room to avoid being hit if a car door is opened.

When pedestrians are crossing a road or junction, motorists should now give way to them - even if the pedestrian hasn't started crossing the road, meaning drivers should give way to those who are waiting.

When approaching a zebra crossing, motorists, cyclists and those riding motorcycles should give way to pedestrians at the crossing.

At a parallel crossing motorists should give way to cyclists and pedestrians.

The new hierarchy is as follows:

1. Pedestrians

2. Cyclists

3. Horse Riders

4. Motorcyclists

5. Cars/taxis

6. Vans, minibuses, large passenger vehicles or courier vehicles e.g HGVs & buses