Motorists across parts of the UK are facing a fresh £100 traffic rule that has sparked anger, with some branding drivers who break it as “selfish” because of the impact on pedestrians and local communities. The rule mainly targets pavement and obstructive parking, as well as speeding in lower-limit and roadwork zones, and is already affecting thousands of motorists in areas where councils have begun strict enforcement.
What the new £100 rule actually is
The latest £100 penalties are being issued for everyday behaviours such as parking on pavements, blocking crossings or junctions, and ignoring reduced speed limits in densely populated or high‑risk areas. Local authorities and National Highways have tightened enforcement, meaning drivers can now be hit with a £100 charge and penalty points for infringements that previously might have attracted only a warning or been ignored altogether.
Why critics call it ‘selfish’
Officials and campaigners argue that motorists who park on pavements or speed through built‑up or roadwork areas are putting their own convenience ahead of the safety of others. Pedestrians with pushchairs, wheelchair users, visually impaired people and road workers are among those most affected, leading some councils to describe such behaviour as “utterly selfish” when announcing the tougher fines.
How thousands are being caught out
Many drivers say they feel blindsided because the changes often come after a short warning period followed by sudden strict enforcement, sometimes supported by cameras and targeted patrols. In one major roadworks zone on the A417, more than 10,000 drivers were issued fines in a single day after failing to slow to a temporary 40mph limit, with each offence typically carrying a £100 penalty and three points on the licence.
Typical offences that now risk £100
Common situations where motorists can now face a £100 hit include:
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Parking with wheels on the pavement where local bans apply, especially in Scottish councils and parts of England such as Aberdeenshire
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Stopping or parking on pedestrian crossings, dropped kerbs, junction mouths or narrow streets where pedestrians and emergency vehicles need space
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Ignoring newly introduced or “hidden” 20mph limits in busy residential or urban areas
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Driving too fast through temporary speed limits in construction or maintenance zones, such as the A417 “Missing Link” project
These penalties often come with additional consequences such as higher insurance premiums when points are added to a driving record.
Key figures on £100 fines
| Area / issue | Typical fine amount | Extra penalty | Who it protects most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pavement / obstructive parking | Around £100 | Possible enforcement action by council | Pedestrians, disabled users, parents |
| 20mph and urban speeding | Around £100 | 3 penalty points | Residents, schoolchildren |
| Roadwork zone speeding (e.g. A417) | Around £100 | 3 penalty points | Road workers, drivers in narrowed lanes |
| Private parking overstay / misuse | Capped near £100 in proposals | Debt recovery limits under review | Shoppers, landowners, fair‑use drivers |
Safety arguments behind the crackdown
Authorities insist that the £100 level is not arbitrary; they claim it reflects the real risk posed by speeding and obstructive parking, which are linked to serious collisions and injuries. Evidence from urban 20mph schemes and enforced work‑zone limits shows meaningful reductions in casualties when drivers slow down and keep space clear for vulnerable users and workers.
How motorists can avoid falling foul of the rule
Drivers can reduce the risk of a surprise £100 notice by paying closer attention to local signage, especially where new 20mph zones, pavement‑parking bans or temporary works are advertised. Councils and motoring experts recommend checking local authority websites and route updates before travelling, leaving extra time so there is no temptation to speed, and always ensuring a parked car leaves pavements and crossings fully accessible.
Balancing fairness and enforcement
Motoring groups accept that dangerous behaviour must be tackled but argue that communication has sometimes been poor, leaving law‑abiding drivers feeling unfairly targeted by sudden £100 penalties. Ongoing government consultations on private parking and penalty caps show that the debate over what is “fair” enforcement versus “selfish” driving is far from over, particularly when fines hit thousands of households already under financial pressure.
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FAQs
Q1: Who can issue the £100 fines?
Local councils, National Highways and private parking operators (within government caps) can all issue penalties of around £100, depending on the offence and location.
Q2: Do these fines always include penalty points?
Speeding and some moving offences usually add three or more penalty points, while many parking and pavement offences carry only a financial penalty without points.
Q3: Can drivers challenge a £100 fine?
Yes, motorists can appeal by following the instructions on the notice, and in some private parking and council cases disputes may escalate to independent adjudicators if evidence supports the driver’s case.
