Parking offences
Contravention code 02:
Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force, parked where there is a yellow line AND yellow markings on the kerb. (Blips)
Checklist:
We set out below some specific points on this contravention. We suggest that you firstly check the section received a parking ticket for general help.
This section will show general grounds upon which you may be able to have a parking ticket (penalty charge notice) cancelled including the statutory grounds and also other information such as the guidance issued to all local authorities in March 2008 by the government. Please then return to this page for specific help with the rules and regulations for this contravention and how to have your parking ticket cancelled.
Possible grounds of appeal for this contravention
1. Loading restrictions are shown by yellow blips on the kerb and there should also be a plate within 15 metres of where you stopped stating the time when loading restrictions apply. One yellow blip on the kerb means no loading or unloading at the times shown on the sign two yellow blips mean No loading or unloading at any time. Unlike parking restriction signs which have a yellow background, loading restriction signs must have black text on a white background. (except for temporary loading restrictions which may have a yellow background) Normally there are parking and loading restrictions applying and therefore part of the sign background is yellow and part is white. See the loading signs and markings below to see if the enforcing authority has used the correct signs and markings. Often they have not and this may well be grounds for an appeal. The markings and signs must also be legible.
2. You are entitled to load on a single or double yellow line where there are no loading restrictions in place The loading/unloading exemption allows all commercial deliveries (large or small) or private deliveries of bulky or heavy goods. Loading should be a continuous action and in many areas you are allowed to load for up to 20 minutes and in some areas 40 minutes depending on the type of delivery. Different local authorities have different observation times and may wait a few minutes before issuing a ticket if no loading activity is apparent, whereas others may have no observation period; they simply issue a ticket if the civil enforcement officer does not notice you loading. If you are in any doubt about the Loading restrictions or enforcement protocols then check with the local authority who issued the PCN as it may be that they did not adhere to their own protocols. You are also entitled to lock your vehicle whilst you are loading. There have been many adjudicators’ cases regarding loading. It has generally been established that loading and unloading would include taking goods into a premises, in some circumstances putting them away, for example frozen food and also the completion of paper work reasonably necessary for the loading activity. There is a link to adjudicators’ decisions at the foot of this page and there are quite a few on loading.
3. Of course it is possible that you were loading and when you return to your vehicle you find a parking ticket, However you should appeal providing details of a delivery note or indeed a receipt for the purchase of a large item, to substantiate the fact that you were loading/ unloading.
4. In respect of what item can be loaded In fact an adjudicator has ruled that transport for London were wrong to assert that loading only applied to “heavy goods”.(see adjudicators decisions below). In the year ending 31st march 2008 TFL issued over 140,000 tickets in loading bays alone, For information regarding loading on red routes we have a dedicated section on Red routes.
Signs
Below we show the signs and blips on the kerb which must be in situ in order for this contravention to be enforceable.
It is important to note the information in the boxes immediately underneath each picture as this shows the circumstance in which the sign can be used and also the permitted variations to it.
The signs which apply to loading are the ones with the words loading on them. The other signs relate to parking.
Above: This sign must be present on yellow where loading is not allowed. It is used in conjunction with yellow blips on the kerb. There must be yellow blips and a sign in order for loading restrictions to be legally enforced.
Above: This sign is used to show the times of enforcement of loading restrictions.
This sign is for use on single yellow lines and should be placed at intervals of no more that 30 metres.
Lines
Road Markings must be present, clear, unobstructed by leaves etc and of the correct width in order for any restrictions to be enforceable.
Please note the information regarding sizes and the fact that no variants are permitted.
Adjudicator's decisions. There have been many adjudicators’ decisions on loading. See adjudicators decisions on loading/unloading.
