The Highway Code rule we've probably all broken even though it can get you £70 fine

London drivers might want to think twice about where they leave their cars, as the seemingly innocent act of pavement parking could come with a hefty £70 fine.

It's been against the law to park on pavements in the capital since 1974, enforced by authorities aiming to keep the city's footpaths clear.

As per Rule 22 of the Highway Code: "You must not park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it."

Not only is this a nuisance but also "Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs."

Drivers need to be careful - there are rules you may not be aware of

If you're unlucky enough to get caught, the fine is steep, but act quickly and you could halve that cost if you pay up within 14 days.

Unless you have certain grounds for contention and decide to appeal, a Penalty Charge Notice signals you've contravened the rules—though some may be able to persuade the council with a strong enough reason for an appeal.

This pavement parking ban was established under the 1974 Greater London Council (General Powers) Act.

The law prohibits drivers from parking on city streets in the capital with their vehicle's wheels on pavements, grass verges or land between carriageways. However, there are exceptions to this rule in certain areas.

These are clearly indicated by special blue parking signs, depicting a car with one wheel on the kerb. At times, parking bays marked with white lines extend onto pavements to indicate that parking is allowed.

In areas where it is not permitted, the law provides protection for specific situations, such as drivers unloading goods, extinguishing a fire or saving a life. Those who violate these regulations may face a fine.

Get the top stories from across London directly to your inbox. Sign up for MyLondon's The 12 HERE to get the biggest stories every day

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

Tube strikes to shut most London Underground lines for 2 days

Tube strikes are expected to shut down most of the London Underground network for two entire days in the coming two weeks. Members of the drivers' union ASLEF will not come into work on November 7 and November 12 - completely shutting the Tube down.

ASLEF was initially meant to strike at the same time as the RMT union, but the latter pulled out the day before planned action when they received an improved pay offer from Underground bosses this Friday (November 1).

The change of plans will mean there is less disruption on fewer days than initially thought this month, but ASLEF members' absences will still be strongly felt.

List of all current strike dates

ASLEF members plan to strike despite the RMT's last-minute cancellation on Friday (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

The ASLEF strikes will take place on Thursday, November 7, and Tuesday, November 12. The union’s members will also take part in an overtime ban from November 3 to November 16 . Below is a full list of who is

• November 7 and 12: Train drivers, instructor drivers and management grades will not book on for duty
  
• Between 12.01am on November 3 and 23:59pm on November 16: Overtime ban in place for train drivers, instructor drivers and management grades
  
• Between 6pm on November 1 and 5.59pm on November 2: Engineering drivers will not book on
• Between November 1 and 8: Overtime ban for engineering drivers

TfL says, if the strikes go ahead, there will be severe disruption on the following dates with little to no service on London Underground lines.

• Thursday, November 7: No London Underground services are expected to run
• Tuesday, November 12: Severe disruption is expected on London Underground services. Any services that do run are likely to start later and finish earlier than normal
• All other days: London Underground services are expected to operate as normal, but some services may be affected by planned works

Get the updates on London's trains, Tube and buses straight to your WhatsApp

You can sign up to get the latest London public transport news, live updates and fun trivia sent straight to your WhatsApp from the MyLondon team. This will include updates on the Tube, DLR, Overground, National Rail services, buses and more.

To get stories sent to you, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select 'join community'.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the MyLondon team.

We also treat our subscribers to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To unsubscribe, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.

Click here to sign up for WhatsApp alerts.

Mr Brennan said: "We have been available to meet all week, and ready to negotiate, either face to face or with the assistance of ACAS. We deliberately gave more notice of our strike action than is required by law to allow extra time for negotiations so that the dispute could be resolved without a strike.

"But LU management has frittered that time away by failing to meet with us. So our members involved in engineering works will strike from 6pm on Friday evening and our management grades and train driver members will strike on Thursday, November 7."

Before the RMT union announced it was suspended its strikes, Claire Mann, TfL's Chief Operating Officer, said on Friday morning: “We are disappointed that the RMT and ASLEF unions have announced strike action, following our recent discussions over pay, terms and conditions. We are continuing to talk with all trade unions to discuss the issues and seek a resolution. Our offer is fair for our people and affordable for London.

“We urge the trade unions to call off this action, accept our offer, and avoid disruption to London. If it goes ahead customers should check before they travel as on some days during the strike there will be little to no service.”

Stay updated on the latest travel news for London's roads, trains, and buses with our London Traffic and Travel newsletter. Sign up HERE

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

Government’s new value for money tsar to be paid day rate of £950

The Government’s new value for money tsar will be paid a day rate of £950.

David Goldstone will take up the position of chairman of the new Office for Value for Money, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced during her Budget statement.

She said Mr Goldstone would “help us realise the benefits from every pound of public spending.”

He will be in post for a year and is responsible for providing advice to the Chancellor and Chief Secretary to the Treasury to save money by reforming systems and improving policy outcomes.

The role will be paid at a day rate of £950 and Mr Goldstone is expected to work a monthly average of one day a week.

It is an independent role and he is not an employee of the Treasury.

Mr Goldstone is also a non-executive director of the Submarine Delivery Agency and HS2 Ltd.

He was previously chief executive of Parliament’s Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority and chief operating officer at the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Goldstone also oversaw the Government’s £9.3 billion investment for the 2012 Olympics, including the Olympic Park venues and infrastructure.

Get the top stories from across London directly to your inbox. Sign up for MyLondon's The 12 HERE to get the biggest stories every day

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

Escape to the Country host's heartbreaking confession after buyer close to tears

Ginny Buckley, the host of Escape to the Country, shared a touching moment in the latest episode as she revealed her own experience with loss.

In Wednesday's show (October 30), Ginny was helping couple Ele and Huw find their dream home in East Sussex, following a period of personal tragedy that had befallen them in Hertfordshire. The couple decided it was time for a fresh start in the countryside after enduring a tough time at their current residence.

Huw recounted an accident he suffered in 2018 which required a lengthy recovery, and not long after, they faced the heartbreak of losing their beloved dog Bree. Huw recalled: "Quite a few months later just after our lives were getting back on track, our first dog Bree unfortunately, one day just had a seizure out of nowhere."

Ele, overcome with emotion, continued the story, revealing that despite trying medication, they ultimately had to face the devastating decision to put Bree to sleep. She tearfully said: "While we tried to see if medication and things would help. But after two weeks we had to make the decision to have her put to sleep, which is something I would always associate with this house."

Ginny made an emotional confession (Image: BBC)

In an attempt to bring joy back into their lives, Huw and Ele welcomed a new dog into their family, but fate dealt them another blow. They explained that their new dog Chip was diagnosed with Elbow dysplasia, leading to further challenges due to the condition affecting his elbow joints, reports Wales Online.

Later in the programme, Ginny opened up about her own heartfelt sorrow regarding the loss of her beloved dog. The presenter shared: "Oh bless them!

"I know exactly how they feel. I lost my best pal Rocko, the cocker spaniel last year and I still miss him every single day.

The buyers opened up on Escape to the Country (Image: BBC)

"You know dogs really are man's and woman's best friend. But life for Ele and Huw has to go on and they've decided for a new house here in the High Weald."

While Ele and Huw were house hunting with help from Ginny, they saw three stunning properties, falling especially hard for the mystery house. Despite that, by the end of it all, the pair opted to further their search using online resources.

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

Former Made in Chelsea star breaks down about family health battle in new show

Almost six years after they last graced our screens together, Made in Chelsea favourites Binky Felstead, Lucy Watson and Rosie Fortescue are returning to TV with their latest show, Beyond Chelsea.

The reality TV stars-turned-mums and entrepreneurs are letting fans back into their lives with a brand-new series on E4 that charts their new challenges and adventures away from the glitz of their Made in Chelsea days.

In an emotional segment of the opening episode, Binky shares a deeply personal moment as she discusses her mother Jane Felstead's battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the family's adjustment to their altered reality.

Multiple sclerosis, known for attacking the central nervous system, often manifests through symptoms such as visual disturbances, numbness, weakness and motor control issues, which can significantly impact day-to-day life.

Jane, affectionately remembered by Made in Chelsea fans for her witty commentary on her daughters romantic escapades, is seen facing her own struggles with the condition on-screen, reports the Mirror.

Binky opened up about her mum Jane's health battle on the show

During a touching interaction, viewers watch as Binky navigates this new chapter, pushing her mothers wheelchair and engaging in candid conversation about upcoming celebrations.

Binky reveals her feelings to the audience, saying: "I haven't got to grips with the new relationship yet, the dynamics change so much so when she comes over, she's like another child again."

She continues, highlighting the stark shift in their lives: "She needs help with cutting her food, she can't go to the loo on her own, she can't do anything on her own anymore. It's a huge amount of change."

Speaking to her closest friends Lucy and Rosie, the mum-of-three shared: "It's a lot to witness when you see someone you love so much deteriorate so quickly."

The ladies are back in their brand new show on E4 (Image: Channel 4 / Rob Parfitt)

"I'm missing a mother, my mother, she's the mummy I used to have, of course she's still my mother, but it doesn't feel the same anymore."

"I'm finding it really weird even seeing her in a chair and giving her a hug and kiss, it doesn't feel like it's the same person."

Later, while preparing dinner with her husband Max, Binky was overcome with emotion as she reflected on her mum's condition before her illness became severe. In a moment of vulnerability, Binky confessed to Max: "It's just made me realise that she doesn't look happy anymore, I find it really difficult. It's really selfish though."

Max tried to bring some levity to the situation by playfully suggesting Binky was avoiding changing a "poo nappy".

Jane received an MS diagnosis in 2017 following years of misdiagnosis with fibromyalgia by doctors. She has been candid about her long-standing symptoms, revealing that she had experienced them since she was 17, yet was not taken seriously at the time.

Beyond Chelsea continues next Tuesday at 10:25pm on E4 and 4OD.

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

Big Brother fans accuse housemate of 'lying' over past as King Charles' butler

Big Brother enthusiasts have been left scratching their heads over housemate Nathan's claims of being a butler to King Charles.

In Monday evening's episode (October 28), Nathan found himself under the spotlight as his housemates probed him about his past employment. Keen to unearth details, they quizzed him on whether he had ever seen the King in his nightwear or if he was responsible for bringing items to him on a tray.

Nathan remained tight-lipped, yet he let slip that the King would be "off before I go in". However, as the housemates persisted in their questioning, viewers were expressing their doubts on social media. One sceptic took to X, stating: "Fully believe that Nathan is lying about his butler job."

Another vented their irritation online: "Watching Nathan lie about being King Charles' butler is so cringe. Please get rid of him omg," reports the Manchester Evening News.

Fans are questioning Nathan's previous role (Image: ITV)

A third shared similar sentiments: "Fully convinced Nathan is making s**t up about being Charles' butler." On the other hand, some fans stood by Nathan's story, with one countering a sceptical tweet: "And he definitely was a butler!"

Despite the mixed reactions, Nathan did mention upon his Big Brother entrance that he served as a butler to King Charles. He recounted his time at Dumfries House estate in Ayrshire, which was the Scottish residence of the then Prince Charles when Nathan was 17.

Fans have shared their thoughts on Nathan online (Image: ITV)

In a chat with the Daily Record, he shared: "I've already had the honour of serving at a couple of royal dinners during His Royal Highness's latest visits to Dumfries House."

"I very much enjoy being a butler here and there's always something very different to deal with. I love meeting people and it's great to talk to the visitors who come to the house."

Nathan did in fact work as a butler for the Royal family as a teen (Image: ITV)

While in the Big Brother house, he opened up about his butler role to his housemates, saying: "He hosts a lot of different dinners with guests. The president of Ireland was there, Alan Titchmarsh and I would look after him and if Camilla was there as well."

Nathan's mum also previously confirmed that her 24-year-old son did the role for roughly a year before he moved on.

Big Brother airs Sundays-Fridays at 9pm on ITV2.

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

Rahim Redcar announces club tour with London date - how to get tickets

Rahim Redcar, formerly know as Christine and The Queens, has announced a tour to celebrate the launch of his latest album. The Hopecore Tour will see the artist perform nine dates across two continents.

And it'll kick off at London's Fabric on Friday, November 1. Tickets start at £22, and are available to purchase now - you can get them via Dice.

The 36-year-old will play the venue from 10pm to 1am. He'll be supported by J. Aria, a UK-based DJ, producer, composer and vocalist.

READ MORE:Londoners could enjoy their last night out by 2029 as 3 venues closing per week, say experts

After Rahim Redcar announced the news on Instagram, fans were quick to react. One user wrote: "You’re so handsome mon petit pois . Cannot wait to see you at Fabric!"

"I so wish you were adding a Glasgow date, Scotland loves you," another said, while a third commented: "Have fun, you belong on stage. Bless you Rahim Redcar."

Fabric is located at 77A Charterhouse St, London EC1M 6HJ. You can get tickets via Dice or Resident Advisor.

Stay up to date about London's hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals with our Going Out Out newsletter. Sign up HERE!

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)