Parking place sign

What it means

There is a parking place here. An arrow may be added to show the entrance.

The P stands for parking. On its own, the sign tells you where you can park off the main carriageway.

It does not mean parking is free or unlimited. Look for signs at the parking place that show charges, time limits or who may park there.

Where you'll see it

At lay-bys, car parks and other parking areas, sometimes with a distance or an arrow to the entrance.

Rules to know

• The sign shows the location of a parking place, and may include an arrow to indicate the entrance to a parking area.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 135

• Use off-street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines on the road as parking places, wherever possible.

  The Highway Code, Rule 239

• Parking places may be free or paid for, and there may be a time limit on how long you can stay.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 50

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Assuming a P sign means free parking with no time limit.

  Instead: The sign just shows where to park. Check the signs at the parking place for charges and time limits.

Test yourself

Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.

Question 1 of 2

What does this sign mean?

• AA place to pull in on a narrow road
• BThe road ahead has no through route for vehicles.
• CParking place
• DYou have priority over oncoming vehicles through the narrow section ahead.

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