By Richard Guttridge

Copyright birminghammail

It’s something that happens on roads up and down the country every day, and drivers may think nothing of it. This is a common parking manoeuvre which is actually against driving rules. But it’s likely many motorists have no idea they are doing anything wrong. READ MORE: UK motorists with a blue badge issued warning over ‘common’ mistake POLL: Do you support a ban on pavement parking? When parking at the side of the road, particularly when it’s dark, drivers are required to park facing the flow of traffic. Despite this rule, it’s common to see cars parked up facing the ‘wrong’ way. There’s a reason for the rule, and it’s all to do with safety. Rear reflectors are due to catch the headlights of oncoming cars, alerting drivers to parked up vehicles, especially in areas which are not well lit. Get all the latest motoring news sent to your inbox by signing up to our new newsletter here Cars parked against the flow of traffic could present a hazard to other drivers who may not be able to spot them. Mo Rafique, motoring expert at Motor Guards UK, said: “Drivers often think they’re safe as long as they’re not on a double yellow line. “But this rule is about safety, not convenience. “Parking the wrong way at night means your car’s rear reflectors, which are designed to catch the headlights of oncoming cars, are completely useless. It becomes an invisible hazard.” The Highway Code’s Rule 248 states: “You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.” Motorists could potentially face £70 fines for the parking errors. Mo added: “Many drivers are shocked when they receive a fine for this. “They’ve likely been doing it for years without an issue, but as traffic enforcement becomes smarter, these lesser-known rules are being more strictly applied. “The key to avoiding a fine is to take a few extra seconds to turn your car around before you park.”