Loading and unloading explained

What is loading/unloading?

Generally speaking loading/unloading involves moving goods or items to a property from a vehicle, or from a property to a vehicle, and includes related activities such as getting a delivery note signed, but not things like stopping for tea or a chat. The goods or items must be heavy or bulky enough to justify the use of the vehicle to transport them (this does not apply to delivery drivers/couriers) and they must either be pre-bought or pre-ordered, as shopping is not considered part of loading.

Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO) will usually observe a vehicle for three minutes to give them time to observe any loading taking place. If none are seen a PCN may be issued, so please ensure that you park near to where you need to be, you do not delay the loading process unnecessarily, and you keep copies of any receipts or delivery notes in case you need to show them later.

If you return to your vehicle as a PCN is being issued, you should ask the CEO to make a note of what you were doing as this may help if you challenge it later.

Places you can load:

Single and double yellow lines for a maximum of 40 minutes, so long as no obstruction is caused and there is no loading ban in place. Single yellow kerb stripes mean that loading is not permitted at certain times (check relevant sign). Double stripes mean loading is not permitted at any time.

Resident permit holder and pay to park bays for as long as you need, although the vehicle must be parked for that purpose (so you can’t extend a parking session by claiming you were loading).
Loading bays for up to the maximum time indicated on the sign. Be careful as some loading bays are reserved for goods vehicles only (the bay sign will tell you if this is the case).
On the footway, in exceptional circumstances where there is no other way of carrying out the delivery, somebody attends the vehicle at all times, and the action is completed within 20 minutes max. The onus would be on you to prove the first two conditions were met should a PCN be issued.

In a bus lane for as long as is necessary, so long as additional restrictions are not in place.

Places you cannot load:

Where a load ban is in place. Single kerb stripes mean no loading/unloading according to the hours on the sign. Double kerb stripes mean no loading at any time.
Restricted bus stops or stands (should b accompanied by a sign stating ‘no stopping’).
Pedestrian crossings (including the white zig-zag markings).
In bays reserved for specific users eg business or doctors bays.