AA 'we want more parking spaces' as 60k Devon drivers fined for parking on double yellows

The AA is calling for a review of double yellow lines to help free up parking spaces - after more than 60,000 Devon drivers were caught parking on one last year.

The firm - which campaigns on behalf of drivers - say there's now seemingly fewer spaces and they believe some restrictions could be removed.

Jack Cousens, head of roads' policy, said: "Drivers are telling us the real problem is finding safe and legal parking so we're asking local councils to try and help alleviate that problem by creating and investing in legal parking infrastructure.

"What we have seen from our research is that nearly two fifths of drivers admit to parking on double yellow lines at least once and around a quarter say they occasionally do so and one in ten admit that they are repeat offenders.

"There could be - for example - a review of the layout of the road where even one side of the street has double yellow lines and perhaps some on-street parking available on the other side, that kind of rethink and reset might help communities."

The research found more than 1.6 million Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued in 2024 under contravention code 01 — “Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours”, according to a Freedom of Information request by The AA. This includes both single and double yellow line offences, making it one of the most common parking violations nationwide.

Younger drivers (18–34) were less likely than older drivers to admit to parking on double yellow lines (NET: Yes = 29–35% vs 38%). They were more likely to support better signage (31%) and higher fines (31%), with moderate support for awareness campaigns (15%).

Older drivers (65+) were most likely to admit to parking on double yellow lines (38%) but showed stronger support for more legal parking options (52%) and visible enforcement (40%), while being less supportive of signage (16%) and awareness campaigns (15%). 40% of men and 28% of women admitted to parking on double yellow lines at least once.

Mr Cousens added: “Double yellow lines are a clear indication that waiting or parking in that area is strictly prohibited, unless there is a legal reason allowing someone to stop there.

“However, what is clear is that drivers are asking for practical parking solutions. Expanding legal parking provisions and improving visibility of restrictions could significantly reduce violations and improve road safety. Enforcement alone isn’t enough - people need to know where they can park safely and legally.

“We also need to consider the diversity of driver needs. Delivery drivers, carers, and those with mobility challenges often face difficult choices. By improving access and signage, we can reduce the pressure that leads to rule-breaking and make streets safer for everyone.

“This is a call to action for councils and transport planners. The data shows that drivers are willing to follow the rules - but they need the tools to do so. A combination of infrastructure investment, education, and smart enforcement is the way forward.”

The AA is urging local councils and transport authorities to adopt a balanced strategy that includes:

• Investment in legal parking infrastructure

• Clear and consistent signage

• Review of yellow lines to ascertain if needed

• Targeted enforcement in high-risk areas

• Public education campaigns tailored to local needs

Greatest Hits Radio has asked Devon County Council for an interview to give its reaction to the AA.

Staying with parking and after a ballot it's been agreed that parking permits will not be introduced in Plymouth's Devonport and Ham wards.

There was a lack of overall support for the idea. Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “People living around the dockyard have been telling us for many years that they struggle to park but opinions vary on how this could or should be tackled.

“It’s clear not everyone shares the same views on what the issues are and what should happen and the results of the ballot show there is not enough support for permits to be introduced in these areas, even though the majority of residents had been receptive to the idea during our 2024 survey.

“These schemes only work if they are collectively supported by the local community and with no clear consensus we cannot progress them in these areas at this stage.

“However we would like to reassure residents that we will continue to work with Babcock and other dockyard employers to support sustainable travel options for their staff (including through our Plymotion programme) and we welcome initiatives such as the shuttle bus service Babcock is looking to introduce. We will also explore whether there may be alternative options for relieving parking problems for residents in the areas most affected.”