Backlash at new B plate stunt for drivers to warn they’re horrible at one kind of manoeuvre

A new ‘B’ plate has been launched for drivers to display on their cars to inform other road users that they’re terrible at one type of manoeuvre.

Similar to the red and white L plates that learners are legally required to fit to their vehicles before passing their test, and the green P plate for those who have recently gained their licence, motorists who are particularly poor at the one driving action are being urged to order one and then affix it to their vehicles.

The B stands for ‘bad parking’ and is aimed at motorists who find it difficult to manoeuvre into a space in the hope it encourages others to give them more time and space in car parks.

The plate, which has been launched by Scrap Car Comparison, is already being made available to drivers to display on their vehicles. 

However, road safety groups have criticised their availability and said motorists should seek additional training rather than raise attention to their poor driving with a B plate. 

It comes off the back of research by the comparison website that found almost half of all motorists feel they could benefit from further training or assistance when it comes to parking. 

One in six drivers say they have experienced stress or worry about having to park their car and almost a third spend extra time searching for a space in a car park that has unoccupied bays either side, rather than trying to squeeze into one flanked by other vehicles.

Scrap Car Comparison says it is already offering a ‘limited number of B plate stickers to interested drivers for free’ via a ‘register interest’ form on its website. 

‘Based on interest levels, the brand will then look to make them widely available in 2025,’ it said.

It believes the plates will help those with ‘park-phobia’ – an anxiety triggered by an inability to either park at the side of the road or in a designated bay.

It says this is likely triggered by a ‘lack of confidence during the process of learning to drive’. 

Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of the 1,391 drivers it polled claimed they weren’t taught well enough when it came to parking manoeuvres, and three quarters of newly-qualified drivers aged 17-to-24-years-old say they could benefit from more guidance.

That’s despite parking being a key element of driving lessons – and a requirement during the practical test. 

An examiner will need a learner to successfully complete one of three exercises to pass the driving test: parallel park at the side of the road; park in a parking bay; or pull up on the right-hand side of the road before reversing for around two car lengths. 

Scrap Car Comparison says it hopes the new B plate stickers will ‘make a difference and encourage drivers to own their parking pitfalls’.

David Kottaun, operations manager at the comparison site, said: ‘No matter where you are in the world, you’ll come across an example of bad parking, but it seems this isn’t something to simply shake your head at, as many drivers are experiencing stress and embarrassment when parking their cars.

‘Just like a P plate enables new drivers to ask for patience from other road users, our B plates will give people the chance to hold their hands up, say sorry and ask for forgiveness, if they know their parking leaves a lot to be desired.

‘We hope that the plates also serve as encouragement for drivers to seek additional parking guidance to build up their confidence, because while bad parking can often simply be frustrating, it can also be dangerous if a car is left too far out in a road, so will need addressing. 

‘Often, good parking comes down to staying calm, remembering what you were taught in your driving lessons and taking each turn of the wheel, step by step.’

Is the B plate legal to display on your car?

This is Money contacted the Department for Transport to understand if the B plate being made available to drivers is legal to display on a car. 

A DfT spokesman told us: ‘B plates are permitted so long as they don’t obscure any lights, mirrors or number plates, and are not a distraction to other drivers.

‘Drivers should follow the guidelines from the Highway Code to ensure they are able to park safely and without obstructing other road users.’

A motor industry insider told us that they are likely deemed legal in the eyes of the DfT because it can be claimed they are a ‘bumper sticker’ that isn’t offensive.

Interestingly, because the L plate is mandatory for learners, there is statutory guidance on its size. 

However, the P plate doesn’t have the same rules simply because it’s optional, which is likely the same case for the new bad parking plate.

Despite Scrap Car Comparison’s claims that the B plate is designed to help those who struggle to park proficiently, it has already received criticism from road safety charities. 

IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards Nicholas Lyes said: ‘While the intention is commendable, unofficial plates may confuse other drivers because they have no understanding of what those plates mean. 

‘If you feel your parking skills need brushing up, it would be better to invest in some post-test training, rather than highlighting it to others on the road.’

Jack Cousens from The AA added: ‘Every journey ends with the car being parked, so being able to stop the car safely and properly is key. 

‘This only reiterates how important it is to learn how to park properly.

‘Rather than getting these “plates”, drivers that are still nervous about parking could invest in a top-up driving lesson to gain confidence when parallel or bay parking.’