Can I Park A SORN Car On Council Land?
By
HuutiMoney
If you are wondering whether or not you can park a SORN car on council land, you will be able to find the answer to your question in the following blog post. In addition to this, we will also discuss the potential consequences of parking a SORN vehicle where the council does not permit; as well as explore alternatives to council land for parking a SORN car.
Can I Park A SORN Car On Council Land?
No, you cannot park a SORN can on council land. Parking a SORN car on council land in the UK is generally not permitted as per the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 which empowers local authorities to regulate and control parking on public roads and council land and provides the legal basis for parking restrictions, permits, and enforcement measures.
Based on this act, when a vehicle is declared SORN, it should be kept on private property, such as a driveway or garage, that is not accessible to the public.
This is the reason why the Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) system is designed for declaring a vehicle off the road and exempt from road tax and insurance requirements.
Council land, including public roads, parking lots, and other areas, is typically subject to regulations and restrictions regarding vehicle parking. These regulations are in place to ensure fair access, safety, and efficient use of public spaces. Parking a SORN car on council land is often considered a violation of these regulations.
You should keep in mind that illegally parking a SORN car on council land can create inconvenience and frustration for the local community. It may block access to parking spaces, cause congestion, or disrupt the flow of traffic. This can lead to complaints from residents and businesses in the area.
If you need to park a SORN car, it is recommended to find suitable private parking facilities, such as private garages or storage units. Alternatively, you may explore options such as renting a private parking space or seeking permission from the council for special circumstances. It’s important to adhere to the relevant laws and regulations to avoid any potential penalties or consequences.
However, in certain exceptional circumstances, such as extreme weather conditions, public emergencies, or personal circumstances, you may be able to request special permission from the local authority to park a SORN car on council land. These requests are typically reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
What Are The Consequences Of Parking A SORN Car On Council Land Without Permission?
Parking a SORN car on council land without permission can have various consequences, including the following:
- Penalty Charges
- Towing or Removal
- Legal Proceedings
If an individual parks a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) vehicle on council land without authorisation, they may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) or parking fine. The local authority or parking enforcement agency may issue this fine as a contravention of parking regulations, with the fine amount being subject to the particular violation and local authority.
In certain instances, if a SORN car is parked on council land without permission and is obstructing traffic flow, posing a safety hazard, or violating parking regulations, the local authority or parking enforcement agency may tow or remove the vehicle at the owner’s expense. This can result in additional expenditures for vehicle recovery and storage.
If parking regulations are persistently or severely breached, which may include repeatedly parking a SORN car on council land without authorisation, legal action may ensue from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. This may involve court appearances and potential legal consequences, such as fines or penalties imposed by the court.
Are There Any Alternatives To Council Parking For SORN Cars?
Yes, there are some alternatives to council parking for SORN cars. If you have a SORN vehicle in the UK and are looking for alternatives to council land parking, here are some options to consider:
- If you have a private driveway or garage, consider parking your SORN car there as it is both convenient and secure. This option ensures that your vehicle is stored on your property, reducing the risk of damage or theft. However, if this is not possible, there are other options available.
- Private parking facilities such as commercial car parks, storage facilities, or dedicated parking lots may offer long-term parking options for SORN vehicles.
- Alternatively, you can rent private parking spaces or driveways from individuals or businesses. Online platforms and classified advertisements can help you find available spaces in your desired location, providing a dedicated parking spot for your SORN vehicle.
- Car storage facilities that specialise in long-term vehicle storage may also be an option. These facilities often have secure premises with controlled access, surveillance systems, and climate-controlled storage options. They may offer short-term or long-term storage solutions for SORN vehicles.
- Lastly, commercial car parks may also provide long-term parking options for SORN vehicles. These facilities typically have security measures in place, such as CCTV surveillance and access control systems. Contact local car park operators to inquire about their availability and pricing for SORN car storage.
Conclusion:
The above discussion helps to conclude that you cannot park a SORN car on council land as it can only be parked on private property such as your garage or driveway. It is important to remember that if a SORN vehicle is found by the authorities on public roads (or council land, in this case), there can be serious consequences such as the vehicle being towed or clamped or even legal proceedings against the registered keeper.
References:
What is SORN? Everything you need to know about declaring your car off-road | RAC Drive
DVLA busts 9 myths around SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) – GOV.UK