KEEPING abreast of the various rules about where and when you can park isn't easy, especially when you're just desperate to find a space.

So how close can you park to a junction, and can you park opposite one? Here's all you need to know.

What is the nearest you can park to a junction?

Parking can be a nightmare. What does one line mean again, can you park on one? And what about a double? It's a lot to keep track of.

And then there's actually finding a space.

If you've been circling around for a while looking for somewhere, you may be wondering whether you're allowed to park near a junction.

The answer is, you have to be a certain distance away from the junction to park, a rule which prevents these areas from getting blocked.

According to Ian Fido, Head of Training at RED Driving School, the nearest you can park to one is ten metres.

He said: The junction should be kept clear to help observations when emerging and to make it easier for vehicles to manoeuvre in and out of the junction (e.g. A fire engine trying to navigate a junction with vehicles parked to close making it difficult or impossible to do so).

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Can I park opposite a junction?

But what about parking opposite a junction?

There are also rules in place for parking opposite one, which prevents your car from being left in a vulnerable position.

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Ian's says parking here is prohibited for similar reasons to the rules on parking too close to a junction, adding: 'think of how your vehicle could easily be damaged when parked too close to a junction'.

What is classed as a junction?

But how do you know if it actually is a junction?

Ian says a junction is where "two or more roads meet and traffic can take different routes. This also includes pedestrian crossings and cycle routes".

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There are various kinds of junction such as the T junction, where the road you're on ends and you have to turn either right or left, or a Y junction, where a minor road joins a major one at an angle.

If you're not sure, you can double-check the different types, and the rules associated with them in the Highway Code.

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