I am unable to depress the release button on the handbrake (thus unable to release said handbrake).  I have tried with the engine running and engine off, and with/without foot brake being applied.  I actually had this problem on the last use of the car (2 days ago) - the hand break would not release at a roundabout - luckily I was able to drive straight on/off the round about and pull in and it was cured by engine off/on.  I do not think it is a case of the breaks being rusted to the discs - in these cases, the button will release the handle.

Many Thanks

Does it work if you lift the handbrake lever (to apply the brake more) at the same time as trying to press the button?

If it's the Mk3 Focus on your profile, the handbrake is a simple mechanical cable system, the engine has no effect on it.

I'd suggest the handbrake lever is faulty and needs replacing.  Either that or you've put it on too tight, you do need to pull it up slightly to release the ratchet.

Thanks both for your replies.  On my first 'session', I did trying clicking up one extra ratchet to clear it (as you'd normally do) and this only served to apply more break.  I tried restarting it as I thought the park assist feature might want resetting.   Anyhow, I tried around an hour later and after whacking the lever with my fist, it worked as normal!  Highly bizarre as I've never had anything like it in 44 years of driving!

Cheers,