Warmer weather is on the way and with that, lots of Brits will be making their way to the beach. However, if you’re one of the millions heading to the coast, experts are urging people to be careful to avoid hundreds of pounds in fines.
By just misreading a sign, you could face fines of up to £130. Amanda Roscoe, signage and print expert at Carrick Signs has shared some of the top signs that carry hefty penalties for misuse. One of the common ones that catches people out is parking. Amanda said: “Temporary parking signs are a big one in summer, particularly around beaches.
“Because they’re not always there year-round, people don’t expect them and can easily miss them. That’s when you see people getting caught out with fines or penalties, even though the signage is in place.”
Parking in restricted areas can lead to penalty charge notices typically ranging from £50 to £130, depending on the location.
Another sign that catches out Brits is dog restrictions. If you’re unfamiliar with the area you’re visiting, it’s easy to miss the signs.
Amanda said: “Bringing a dog into a restricted zone can lead to fines, and it’s something that tends to happen more in summer when beaches are busier and rules are more strictly enforced.” Violating dog control orders can result in fines of up to £100 under local council regulations.
In warmer weather there’s nothing better than firing up the barbeque for a picnic – but strict regulations are often in place for these to prevent fires. This becomes even more crucial in hot dry weather which presents a larger fire risk. Amanda said: “A lot of people don’t realise these rules can be enforced, especially in dry conditions where there’s a higher risk. Ignoring them can lead to fines, but also bigger issues if a fire starts.”
Fines for ignoring these signs start at £100 but can quickly escalate if damage is incurred during a fire.
Summer means swimming – but some coasts are restricted due to the risk of unseen currents, or steep drops. Not only is it very dangerous to miss these signs, it can also be costly.
Amanda said: “A lot of ‘no swimming’ signs get ignored because the water can look calm on the surface. But those signs are usually there for a reason, whether it’s strong currents, sudden drops or other hidden risks. It’s one of the most common examples of people trusting what they can see rather than the warning in front of them.”
In some restricted areas, ignoring these signs can lead to fines of up to £100 or intervention from local authorities.