Blue badge holders could get £1,000 fine under obscure parking rule

Blue badge holders have been warned not to break a little-known rule that could cost them £1,000. Rule 239 of the Highway Code urges motorists to use off-street parking wherever possible, but has specific rules for blue badge holders who need to park on the roadside.

Cars must face the flow of traffic, stop as close as possible to the side of the road, and must not park too close to another Blue Badge holder's car. A blue badge holder may have a disability or a long-term health issue that means they need more room to get in and out of their car.

The Highway Code continues: "You MUST ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door. Check for cyclists or other traffic by looking all around and using your mirrors.

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"Where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side. This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder.

"You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motorcyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement."

Rule 239 goes on to warn drivers to lock their car, put all their valuables out of sight, and to exit via the pavement-side of the car. While this may seem like common sense, breaking the rule can be costly: failing to follow the rule can result in a £1000 fine and your blue badge being confiscated.

The Highway Code goes on to warn blue badge holders: "Before using a hand-held device to help you to park, you MUST make sure it is safe to do so. Then, you should move the vehicle into the parking space in the safest way, and by the shortest route possible.

"When you use a hand-held device to help you to park, you MUST remain in control of the vehicle at all times. Do not use the hand-held device for anything else while you are using it to help you park, and do not put anyone in danger.

"Use the hand-held device according to the manufacturer’s instructions."

The Highway Code continues: "When using an electric vehicle charge point, you should park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians from trailing cables. Display a warning sign if you can.

"After using the charge point, you should return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to pedestrians and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users."

A blue badge is used to help people park closer to their destination when using on-street parking. Meanwhile, off-street parking is covered by different rules.

People can be eligible for blue badges for a wide range of reasons, most commonly that they or their children have a disability or long-term health condition. Misusing the blue badge is illegal.

If you think you might be eligible for a blue badge, you can find out more on the government's website.