MOTORISTS in Scotland are baffled by parking rules and regulations, according to a new survey.
Nearly six in ten Scottish drivers said they found parking rules and regulations are confusing, according to research commissioned by the British Parking Association (BPA).
Industry experts say that around the 20 per cent of all parking tickets issued by both local authorities and private operators are appealed, but more than half of motorists said they found the process of appealing confusing as well.
Four in 10 motorists in Scotland say that they are often unaware of their rights with regards to parking and one in 10 do not know the difference between the rules for parking in a council or private car park.
Patrick Troy, chief executive of the BPA, said: "It is clear that many motorists are often left confused by parking rules and regulations. Whilst drivers of course have a responsibility to check the parking restrictions in operation, we must ensure that the rules are made as clear as possible to reduce the amount of avoidable fines and charges."
Asked about the most frustrating parking habits of other drivers, almost 60 per cent of drivers in Scotland said they were infuriated by motorists who wrongly park in disabled spaces or ambulance bays. Drivers who take up more than one parking space or double park were also criticised.
RAC spokesman Pete Williams said bad parking was being exacerbated by cuts to city centre parking and increasing parking charges.
He said: "Two thirds of drivers believe there is now less parking close to their town or city centre and that parking restrictions have become more stringent where they live, and a quarter (24 per cent) state traffic wardens are now more active in their area. The result of this 'parking squeeze' is inevitably going to be more inconsiderate parking as motorists become frustrated - although there is no excuse for blocking bays reserved for the emergency services or disabled drivers."
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