Loading and unloading
While parking regulations allow you to load or unload for as long as it takes, the use of a vehicle must be necessary and you must move your vehicle immediately after you have finished.
Loading and unloading must be seen to be taking place i.e you must not stop to take a phone call – but it can include checking stock and getting an invoice or delivery note signed.
Where can I stop to load and unload?
You can load or unload:
- within dedicated loading bays
- on single and double yellow lines when no loading ban is in force i.e. where there are kerb stripes
within Resident parking bays - in Pay by Phone parking bays
You must be seen to be loading or unloading continuously. A Civil Enforcement Officer will check the vehicle and, if it is left unattended for longer than five minutes and appears to be parked, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) may be issued.
Loading Bays
Loading bays are provided for goods vehicles. If there is a maximum time limit for loading and unloading, this will be indicated on the traffic sign. Remember that the loading and unloading must be seen. Any vehicle thought to be parked without loading may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Enforcement
Loading or unloading is allowed but if a Civil Enforcement Officer can’t see any activity around a vehicle or feels that the loading and unloading is unreasonable, a Penalty Charge Notice may be issued.
Where is loading/ unloading not allowed?
Many, but not all, parking restrictions allow an exemption for loading. Wherever you are, to avoid getting a parking ticket, never:
- stop to load or unload on white zigzags at either side of a pedestrian crossing
- stop to load or unload during the hours of a loading restriction (identified by kerb markings)stop to load or unload where the signs state ‘no stopping’, ie at bus stops, taxi ranks and at ‘school keep clear’ zigzags
- stop to load or unload in a disabled bay
How are they signed?
Loading is allowed on single and double yellow lines as long as you do not cause an obstruction and no loading ban is in place – always check traffic signs for clarification.
Where there is a loading ban in addition to parking restrictions, you will see yellow kerb markings.
- double yellow kerb markings mean loading is not permitted at any time.
- a single kerb marking will mean loading is not permitted at certain times of the day - always check traffic signs for clarification
Please note the restriction still applies if a vehicle is parked ‘behind’ the markings on the pavement or in a similar area.
Yellow lines are enforced up to the building boundary including pavement, grass verges and central reservations.
Loading and unloading on the pavement or grass verges causes damage which can result in pedestrian trips and falls.
Loading and unloading is permitted in Resident and Pay by Phone parking bays for a maximum of 20 minutes.
If you receive a Penalty Charge Notice while loading or unloading, please follow the instructions on how to appeal on the back of the notice. Remember to provide evidence to support your appeal.
Picking up and dropping off passengers
Drivers can stop temporarily on yellow lines to pick up or drop off passengers, but are not allowed to wait. You must stay with your vehicle at all times unless your passenger needs help getting in or out.