You have been parking your car all wrong – four common mistakes drivers make that risk fines of up to £130

MOTORISTS have been falling into four common rookie parking errors - which could cost you a pretty penny.

Drivers that make these mistakes could be slapped with a fine of up to £130.

Off-street and private car park penalty charges in the UK are capped at £130 in London and £120 outside the capital, according to the AA.

But a late repayment can see that figure raised or even a court date booked.

And paying your fine within 14 days of its issue will usually see your sum halved.

Here are four common off-street and private parking errors which risk burning a hole in your wallet.

Snub zigzags on the school run

When a Kent mum was recently fined £70 for a 'seconds-long' stoppage outside a local school, motoring experts weren't surprised.

That's because zigzag lines ban drivers from parking and even stopping by key services such as school and hospitals.

And look out zigzag white lines leading up to a zebra or pedestrian crossing, where parking isn't allowed either.

Don't park next to double white lines

Double white lines in the middle of the road mean there's a hazard - so you can't stop or park and must be extra careful when overtaking.

According to Rule 240 of the Highway Code, parking or stopping there is careless driving and a swift £100 fine - or much more if the police decide to take you to court.

The exceptions to the rule are if you are dropping someone off or picking someone up.

Blue Badge spots are for Blue Badge holders

Some of the most punishing penalty charges issued in the UK go to drivers wrongly parked in Blue Badge spots, ambulance bays and service or loading areas.

That's because each is defined as an of the law, which describes "anti-social behaviour with a direct impact on the vulnerable or business revenue".

Fines of £120 can be levied across the UK for drivers who fall foul of the strict new rules.

Dennis added: “Aside from rules and regulations, we recommend drivers just think carefully about where they’re parking to avoid causing problems for others.

"For instance, if they’re dropping off or picking up kids from school can they park well away from the school gates and walk the rest of the way?”

Drivers must also keep an eye out for fluttering tickets which aren't clearly displayed - meaning you could be charged twice.

Here's how to appeal a parking ticket if you feel it's been given unfairly.

And our guide to bringing pets in the car is here.

Avoid yellow lines

You can stop and wait on a single yellow line, but the rules on double yellow lines are much stricter.

In fact, it's usually illegal to park on a double.

The Highway Code says double yellows indicate no "waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs".

In layman's terms, avoid.

RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis told us: "The often misunderstood single yellow line requires drivers to check restrictions on nearby signs to avoid getting a Penalty Charge Notice.

"It’s also vital not to park in front of a dropped kerb."