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Brits have been warned of a common mistake that can land them with a £5,000 fine when enjoying the sunshine in a local park. One common park habit that many Brits didn't know could land them in trouble is playing loud music, something people may be guilty of, without even realising.

In certain parks, playing excessively loud music could result in a hefty fine of up to £5,000. For example, in London's Royal Parks, playing music on speakers, even at low volume, is strictly prohibited and considered a public nuisance. So whilst it isn't strictly prohibited in all parks, it's often subject to restrictions and regulations, primarily due to copyright laws and noise concerns.

Permission or a license is generally needed to play copyrighted music; however, excessive noise levels will lead to complaints and fines. Just be sure to use a personal music player or small, non-amplified speakers, as they're generally more acceptable if it's not disruptive to others.

For the past couple of weeks, the UK has seen blazing heat with temperatures reaching up to 33.2°C. UK weather maps have predicted that we could see temperatures soar up to 38°C, similar to the heatwave in 2022, making parts of the UK hotter than Greece and Spain.

While the Met Office advises staying out of the sun between 11am and 3pm during a heatwave and to apply sunscreen and wear a brimmed hat

The sun signals for many people to want to get outside and enjoy their time at the park with friends. However, it is important to be aware of a few rules that, if ignored, could result in hefty fines. Park rules are put in place to guarantee safety, preserve the environment, and, most importantly, ensure a positive experience for everyone.

The money-saving experts at idealo put together a list of some of the most common park habits that could land Brits in trouble this summer.

There are many other habits parkgoers are often guilty of, such as feeding wildlife, for example. Feeding wildlife, such as squirrels or birds, is banned in many parks and can lead to a £150 fine, as it's often classed as littering.

One Londoner was fined this amount in 2021 for feeding squirrels in a local park. Littering is another obvious, however, disappointingly common one. Dropping rubbish or leaving picnic waste behind can land you with a fine of up to £400, with some councils offering a reduced rate of £200 if paid promptly. Failure to pay can result in prosecution and a court fine of up to £2,500.

Disposable barbecues are popular in UK parks because they offer a convenient and affordable way for people to enjoy outdoor cooking, especially in warmer weather; however, using disposable barbecues in areas where they're banned, like Brighton & Hove's seafront and parks, can result in a £100 fixed penalty. These are banned due to fire risk and environmental damage. They can pose serious fire hazards so when using, always do so with caution.

Katy Phillips, money-saving expert at idealo, said: "Before you pack your basket and head out, make sure you're familiar with the rules of the park you're visiting. Many public parks have their own restrictions, especially when it comes to music, barbecues, and alcohol. Checking ahead of time can save you the hassle and money"