History of World's First Double Yellow Lines England 1958 – Parking

I thought as Road Double Yellow lines were first created and introduced in the UK in 1958 I would write its history. At the time of the introduction of double yellow lines in the UK it was also decided to introduce them throughout the British Empire as it then stood.

Double yellow lines were originally used by George Bamber in Yorkshire as boundary markers and to identify access routes to his farm when the roads were congested with other vehicles on market day. It was on one of these market days that the local mayor saw the double yellow lines realised the potential and implemented this idea to restrict access to Masham market square on Market days.

The double yellow lines are one of the most famous road markings that indicate that parking restrictions are afoot. Double yellow lines are along the edge of the carriageway indicate that parking restrictions apply to the road (which includes the carriageway, pavement and verge).

A driver may stop for passengers to board or alight and to load or unload (unless there are also ‘loading restrictions’ as described below). The regulation applies to all vehicles other than those with disabled parking permits – see below.

Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, unless there are signs that specifically indicate seasonal restrictions.

Only one wheel needs to be on the line for this to count as parked on a yellow line.

Loading is allowed on double-yellow lines unless there are also yellow marks on the kerb or at the edge of the carriageway.

A double mark on the kerb indicates that loading is not allowed at any time. A single mark on the kerb indicates that loading is prohibited at time indicated on a nearby sign. Regulations apply every day including Sundays and Bank Holidays unless a nearby sign indicates otherwise. You may stop while passengers board or alight.

Loading and unloading is defined as: ‘taking the items to and from the vehicle’ but does not cover packing, unpacking or assembly and stopping for a conversation. Stopping to go to the toilet is also not covered. The ban also covers pavements and verges beside the marked section of road.

In the UK Disabled Parking (Blue badge) holders are exempt from the restrictions imposed by the lines for up to three hours if there are no loading restrictions in place. The Blue Badge must be displayed and the clock must be set to the time of arrival.

Offenders who parked on the double yellow lines in 1958 were fined 4d and hence the double yellow line as we know it today was born. This system is still used today of fining motorists who park on double yellow lines.

The single yellow line originated as another restriction from the double yellow line. This parking restriction indicates that parking is prohibited at specific times of the day or week but you should refer to the sign that is in the vicinity to clarify this.

Please visit my Funny Animal Art Prints Collection @ http://www.fabprints.com

My other website is called Directory of British Icons: http://fabprints.webs.com

Please visit my many Articles at http://bloggs.resourcez.com

The Chinese call Britain ‘The Island of Hero’s’ which I think sums up what we British are all about. We British are inquisitive and competitive and are always looking over the horizon to the next adventure and discovery.

Copyright © 2010 – 2011 Paul Hussey. All Rights Reserved.