The Sign You Can't Quite Read

Guessing between 'no stopping' and 'no parking' is not acceptable because the two have very different meanings: no stopping prohibits halting for any reason (other than in traffic), while no parking still allows you to stop briefly to set down or pick up passengers. Getting it wrong is an offence either way.

How to resolve it:

• Slow down and look again where it is safe to do so, using low beam so you do not dazzle, and read any supplementary plate under the sign (times, days, 'loading zone', arrow directions).
• Use the line marking as corroboration: a continuous yellow edge line typically indicates a stopping restriction along that length, so the sign is more likely to be the stricter one.
• If you still cannot read it, do not park in the restricted length. Choose a lawful spot clear of the sign, the yellow line, and the parked car.
• If you need to confirm, park elsewhere and check on foot or via the local council's rules rather than risk a fine and a tow.

Principle: when a restriction is ambiguous, adopt the more restrictive interpretation until you can confirm otherwise.

Positioning and checks:

• Stop clear of the yellow line's end - do not straddle it, and leave enough room that you are unambiguously outside the restricted length.
• Check distance to the parked car ahead and leave a sensible gap; also check you are not blocking a driveway, footpath crossing, hydrant, bus stop, or intersection clearance area.
• Check for other signs - a second sign further along, a permit zone plate, or a clearway time plate can still apply even though the yellow line has ended.
• Signal and check mirrors and blind spot before pulling in, and slow gently because the follower is close behind and the road is wet.
• Park facing the direction of travel and within the required distance of the kerb.

What could still make it unlawful: the sign may apply beyond the yellow line; there may be a time-based restriction (e.g. clearway during peak hours) that is not obvious at night; you may be within a distance of an intersection, crossing, or hydrant that is prohibited regardless of lines; or the location may be a permit zone. Night and rain reduce your ability to see these, so a slow approach and a second look on foot is the safe course.

A follower closing up while you slow to park is a real hazard: they may expect you to keep moving and may try to pass just as you turn or reverse. Manage it deliberately.

• Signal early so your intention is unambiguous, and brake progressively rather than late.
• Do not reverse into the spot unless you have clear visibility and the follower has stopped; reversing blind into a lane with a car closing is high risk.
• If the spot requires reversing or a tight manoeuvre, wave the follower past first or wait until they have gone, then complete the park.
• Keep checking the mirror as you slow; if the follower is not slowing, abandon the spot and drive on rather than stopping in their path.
• Once parked, check before opening your door - a cyclist or passing car may be coming, and the wet road makes them harder to hear.

The judgement point: the parking spot is optional, the collision is not. Yield the manoeuvre if the follower's behaviour makes it unsafe.