- ANPR can start parking time as soon as a vehicle enters.
- Fines in London range up to £70–£130 depending on area.
- Romanian drivers risk obstruction fines when waiting in traffic lanes.
- Avoid lane waiting, check spots with apps, and follow signs.
Parking in large cities has become one of the biggest challenges for drivers. As the number of vehicles increases and parking spaces stay limited, situations where you receive a fine for unintentional violations are becoming more common. Recently, an unusual case drew attention: drivers can be fined even when they are simply waiting for a parking spot to become available.
This issue sheds light on a gray area of traffic law where modern technology and parking rules clash, creating confusion for motorists.
The London situation — when technology becomes a trap
In the British capital, drivers faced a surprising situation: receiving fines while simply waiting for a parking space or an electric vehicle charging station to become available. These incidents were mainly caused by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems.
ANPR technology automatically records the moment a vehicle enters a parking zone, and the timer for the maximum stay starts running immediately. Problems arise when:
- Drivers wait 20-30 minutes for a free spot
- The free parking time is consumed from the moment of entry
- Drivers do not realise they are already “in the system”
Fines in the United Kingdom
Costs of penalties vary significantly by location:
- Around London: up to £70 (approximately 410 RON)
- In central London: up to £130 (approximately 760 RON)
Common driver problems
Poor visibility of signage
Many drivers miss or fail to notice warning signs regarding:
- The maximum free parking time
- The moment when the time starts
- The specific conditions of each parking facility
Misunderstanding the rules
A large portion of drivers believe that “parking” begins only when they leave their car in an actual parking spot, not when they enter the zone.
Situation in Romania — similar risks, different contexts
In our country, although we do not have the same widespread automated monitoring technology, drivers face similar problems in a different context.
Blocking traffic
The most common situation in which you can receive a fine is when:
- You wait in a traffic lane for a parking space to become available
- The parking barrier does not rise due to the lack of spaces
- You block traffic behind you
This situation can be sanctioned under the Traffic Code for obstruction of traffic.
Recommendations for Romanian drivers
To avoid fines in such situations:
- Do not wait in the traffic lane — find a safe area to stop temporarily
- Check for available spots before entering the parking area
- Use mobile apps to verify spot availability
- Follow road signs even in waiting situations
The need for fairer regulations
The London situation raises a legitimate question: is it fair to consider a driver as having “parked” when they are only waiting for a free spot? Many traffic-law experts argue that:
- Current rules do not reflect modern realities of urban traffic
- ANPR technology should distinguish between “entry to the zone” and “actual parking”
- There is a need to update legislation to protect well-meaning drivers
Practical solutions for drivers
Before entering a parking facility:
- Check signage for the maximum parking time
- Read the parking terms carefully
- Ensure you understand when the time starts
While waiting:
- Be aware that time may already be running
- Do not block traffic in unauthorized areas
- Consider alternatives if waiting time extends
For electric vehicles:
- Plan ahead for charging station locations
- Check availability via specialized apps
- Include extra time for charging
This situation shows that as cities become more crowded and technology more sophisticated, drivers must pay increasing attention to the fine details of parking rules to avoid unexpected penalties.
