Don’t park on double yellows that are part of a bus lane during operating hours. You can’t be on a bus lane at all, badge or not. It’s like trying to use a discount card at a high-roller casino—wrong crowd.
Also, avoid parking in front of a fire station entrance, a school zigzag, or a hospital emergency bay. Those are for emergencies, not your quick trip to the pharmacy. The badge is a privilege, not a siren.
Can you be fined for parking on double yellow lines covered in leaves
One time, my friend parked on double yellows directly across from a police station. The officer came out, looked at the badge, and said, “Nice try, but you’re blocking the view of the speed camera.” That’s karma in a police uniform.
The Honest Broker: What the Law Actually Says
Legally, it’s detailed in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016. That’s a mouthful, so I’ll translate: you can park on double yellows if you’re a Blue Badge holder, but you must display the clock showing your arrival time, and you cannot park anywhere that would cause chaos.
The chaos clause includes blocking a cycle lane, a dropped curb for wheelchairs, or a junction. If you park within 10 meters of a junction, you’re a hazard. That’s like putting your shopping cart in the middle of a store aisle—annoying and stupid.
If you’re ever unsure, the best advice is to ask a traffic warden before you park. They’re not all demons. Some are actually helpful, like a librarian who knows exactly where the book about parking rules is hidden.
