A poll of almost 15,000 drivers has found that just over half see parking on double yellow lines as a "significant problem" in their area, the AA said, amid growing concerns about safety, access and congestion.
Fifty-one percent of respondents told the motoring group that illegal parking on double yellow lines had become a scourge where they live, while a third said it was not a very serious problem and 11 percent said it was not a problem at all. The survey also found that 6 percent of respondents admitted to parking on double yellow lines themselves.
Regional and age differences were evident in the poll. Drivers in the West Midlands and North West were most likely to regard the issue as serious, with 55 percent expressing concern, while only 47 percent of drivers in Eastern England viewed it the same way. Younger motorists were more likely to see the behaviour as a problem: 57 percent of those aged 25 to 34 described it as serious, compared with many over-65s, 44 percent of whom said it was not a serious concern.
The AA said blue badge rules help explain some age-related differences. Holders of a Blue Badge may park on double yellow lines for up to three hours in England and Wales provided they are not causing an obstruction. The survey suggested that some older drivers' different travel patterns and the presence of more disabled parking permits may affect how they view yellow-line infringements.
Under the UK Highway Code, double yellow lines indicate that parking or waiting is not permitted at any time, regardless of whether there are accompanying signs. The AA said respondents who admitted to parking on double yellows most commonly cited a lack of awareness of restrictions or believing it was safe to do so.
The motoring group called for clearer signage, improved public education and more consistent, localised enforcement by councils to tackle serial offenders. Over recent years, many local authorities have taken over civil parking enforcement after the decriminalisation of parking offences allowed councils to apply for powers previously held by police forces. The AA said that inconsistent enforcement in some areas has contributed to a "cycle of disregard" in which perceived impunity encourages others to flout the rules.
The group warned of immediate safety and access impacts when motorists park on double yellows. Vehicles stopped on lines can block sightlines for drivers and pedestrians, force people with prams or mobility aids into the road, delay buses and other public transport, and impede emergency vehicles. Large vehicles such as buses and delivery lorries can be forced to reroute or idle, contributing to congestion and pollution, the AA said.
"Parking on double yellow lines is illegal for a reason — it’s there to protect visibility, access, and safety for everyone using the road," Jack Cousens, AA head of roads policy, said. "In cities, it can block emergency vehicles, delay buses, and put pedestrians at risk. In quieter areas, it may not seem as urgent, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. That’s why we’re urging councils to take a more localised approach by combining clear signage, consistent enforcement, and public education to address the issue in a way that fits the needs of each community."
The AA's findings come alongside another series of surveys on pavement parking. A separate report earlier this month found that roughly four in five people would back a ban on parking with wheels on the kerb. A straw poll by the RAC of 1,703 drivers reported 83 percent support for ministers cracking down on pavement parking, while a separate poll of 2,700 readers by a national newspaper showed 70 percent in favour of an outright ban.
Local authorities, motoring groups and campaigners have traded calls for a mixture of education, clearer signage and tougher enforcement to address both double-yellow-line parking and pavement parking. The AA recommended tailoring responses to local conditions, arguing that a combination of measures would be more effective than one-size-fits-all policies.
Drivers, residents and businesses in affected areas told the AA they feel the behaviour erodes trust within communities when it appears drivers ignore rules without consequence. Councils face decisions about where to prioritise enforcement resources as the debate over how to curb illegal parking continues.
The AA said it will continue to push for better local strategies and clearer public information to reduce the risks created by parking on double yellow lines and to protect vulnerable road users and public transport services.