What is the maximum legal distance for a car to be parked away from the Kerb

[LMAC]

Today I was issued a fixed penalty notice by a group of 3 community support officers for what they classed as 'unnaceptable parking'. This amounted to being parked roughly 2 feet away from the cerbside perfectly paralel to it. They said I was causing a obstruction to trafic. The road is not a particulary narrow one and was quiet at they time. The two feet would have made little difference to the flow of trafic. Can I contest this? Is there a law to state what the acceptable distance is?

[kempie]

There is no universally accepted distance, however drivers are expected to be able to park at a "reasonable distance" from the kerb and a DSA approved driving instructor or examiner would expect this "reasonable distance" to be around 12 inches.

Since we acquired the Decriminalised Parking Enforcement system (the part of the Road Traffic Act 1991 which enables local councils to operate their own parking regime) various councils have implemented new by-laws such as the requirement for vehicles to be parked within 12" of the kerb.

[Panic Button]

Did you walk to the kerb, or get taxi?

[johnny37]

I would definitely complain to your local police that it took 3 PCSOs to nick you. I know they go around in pairs but 3?\/What a waste of resources,

[Shadow Man]

You can contest anything you like.

Ask for the evidence that it was causing an obstruction. Like police officers they would have a pocket note book.

I imagine as there were three of them, it was a training exercise.

Complain and demand and you will have your ticket quashed.

[dan_999uk]

Or end up in court with the possibility of an additional fine and court costs.

You were two feet from the kerb - any reason you didn't move the car when they asked you?

[Buenchico]

In areas where parking is normally controlled by council staff, rather than by traffic wardens or police, there are are series of penalty codes which must be used to define parking offences. PCN 26 is the one which refers to the distance from the kerb. Unless the council has displayed notices quoting any other maximum distance, vehicles can be 'ticketed', under PCN 26, if they're more than 50cm from the kerb:
http://www.parking-appeals.gov.uk/RegAndLeg/PC NconCodes.asp

Chris

[marmadukewhistle]

So let's get this right. Two feet away from the kerb and you got a ticket. Aw dear, you poor soul. I'd have had your vehicle towed away, at that distance it was obviously abandoned after all. Remember that marvelous book called the Highway Code, you might even have used it to get through your driving test. Well, here's the thing, it's not just a book to get you through a test, it is a code of practice, something you should apply every day when you're out there driving. Perhaps a quick read through it will remind you about how to park properly and be courteous to other road users. Jeez!