Parking and loading legally

Transport for London

Parking and loading legallySaving you time and money on avoidable penalty charges

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Contents

Introduction 3

Things you need to know 4

Understanding London’s roads 5

About PCNs 10

Fewer penalty charges 15

Route planning and scheduling 19

The drivers’ role 24

Paying Penalty Charge Notices 27

Appendix one: Glossary 29

Appendix two: Highway authority contacts 31

Appendix three: Sample PCN reduction policy 33

Appendix four: FORS PCN report form for drivers 34

Appendix five: Making the signs make sense 37

Appendix six: Understanding contravention codes 50

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Introduction

Leon Daniels, Managing Director Surface Transport


Around 21 million journeys are made every day on London’s roads, and keeping congestion to a minimum is in the interests of the residents, businesses and visitors who use the road network.

Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are used to encourage drivers to observe the rules and regulations of the road, contributing to keeping traffic moving in London. However, at Transport for London (TfL) we know that they can also make

delivering in the Capital an expensive business for many freight and fleet operators.

We have put this information together to help you to reduce the number of penalty charges your fleet receives. It will also help you manage any penalty charges that you do receive more efficiently.

As every organisation is different, you may find some sections more useful than others. However, even if you have existing procedures in place, we hope there are elements you can use to continue to minimise the impact of penalty charges on your business.

New approaches to managing the road network (such as those proposed in the Mayor’s Vision for Cycling and the Mayor’s Roads Task Force report) are being developed and implemented. While they will help to better balance demands on London’s limited road space, penalty charges will still be needed to discourage illegal driver behaviour which often adversely affects other road users.

It is therefore important that you have the right systems and processes in place to reduce the amount of time and money you spend on avoidable fines.

Check TfL.gov.uk and the relevant borough websites for up-to-date information and ensure that drivers always check roadside signs before they park, load or unload.

Please note that the information in this guide is correct at April 2014 but is subject to change.

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mailto:freight%40tfl.gov.uk?subject=

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Things you need to know

A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is a legal document informing you that a penalty charge has been issued. A penalty charge is incurred when a vehicle contravenes parking, loading, stopping or moving traffic regulations.

Find out more about PCNs in section 4.

TfL is one of 34 different highway authorities that manage the Capital’s roads.

Find out who they are and how this affects the road regulations on page 5.

When stopped in a loading bay, continuous loading/unloading must take place (this include the time to check the goods delivered and carry out paperwork); there is no grace period for personal errands such as buying a paper.

Page 8 explains this further.

The most common reason for TfL to issue a penalty charge is for stopping on a red route.

There is more about why we issue PCNs on page 10.

The cost of penalty charges varies depending upon where they are issued, and what they are issued for.

Find out how much PCNs cost and what affects the cost on page 13.

We’ve found that organisations that document their plans to reduce the number of PCNs they receive are more successful at doing so.

For advice on how to do this, see page 15.

Talking to your customers before making deliveries could give you vital information about where you are allowed to park.

See page 19 for more about how your customers could help you.

Changing the time of day that you make your deliveries could reduce your risk of receiving a PCN.

There are details about other ways to adapt your deliveries on page 22.

In some instances, dispensations from parking and loading restrictions can be requested.

See page 22 for details of when you can apply.

Your drivers are your eyes on the road. Use their knowledge to reduce the likelihood of receiving a PCN.

See page 24.

You can save money by paying promptly.

Find out how to pay PCNs on page 27.

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Understanding London’s roads London’s roads are managed by 34 highway authorities; TfL and the 33 London boroughs. Together we manage the road network and keep traffic moving using a number of tools, including penalty charges.

Penalty charges are designed to discourage drivers from stopping in inappropriate places or committing traffic offences which will hold up other vehicles.

Parking and loading restrictions vary around the Capital because they are managed by different highway authorities. This section explains the main differences between the restrictions; understanding these should help you to reduce the number of penalty charges you receive.

Penalty charges are also issued to vehicles contravening the Congestion Charge, Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS). These are also summarised.

If you have questions about a PCN that you have received, you should contact the issuing authority.

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Borough roads

Roads with yellow lines, parking meters or residents’ bays are managed by the local borough council.

You can load and unload on roads with single or double yellow lines, unless there are also yellow markings on the kerb or the roadside signs say otherwise:

• Single yellow line on kerb: Loading is allowed at certain times (refer to roadside signs)

• Double yellow line on kerb: Loading is not allowed at any time

Find out more information about red routes on the TfL website

Contact details for all of the highway authorities are on page 31

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Red routes are managed by TfL

The Capital’s main roads, and sections of some strategically important side roads, form the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN), more commonly known as the red routes. Red lines and signs along the road make these roads easily identifiable.

The red routes make up just five per cent of London’s roads, but they carry up to 30 per cent of the traffic. We restrict parking, loading and unloading on red routes to help keep the traffic moving, because with so many journeys made using these routes hold-ups can have a big impact.

Signs and road markings along the red routes tell drivers what they can and can’t do, and should always be checked carefully.

All drivers should be familiar with the following red route restrictions, or risk receiving a penalty charge for not complying:

• Single red line: No stopping on the day/times shown on the sign

• Double red line: No stopping at any time

• Loading bays: Check the signs for restrictions

• Red route clearways: Only stop in designated bays

You may be able to reduce the number of PCNs you incur on the red routes by:

• Reminding your drivers of red route regulations

• Identifying legal loading provisions at delivery sites on the red route

• Considering alternative locations to load/unload

http://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/red-routes

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Transport for London - red routes

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Loading and unloading

Loading and unloading is the continuous movement of goods to and from a premises. This includes the time taken to check the goods delivered and carry out any essential paperwork associated with the delivery, such as gaining the customer’s signature.

Once the delivery process is complete you must move the vehicle straight away, even if it is within the maximum period allowed for loading and unloading.

The time allowed for loading and unloading varies across the Capital, but is typically either 20 minutes or 40 minutes; on red routes a period of up to 20 minutes is usually observed. Always check the signs.

A penalty charge may be issued if it is not clear that loading/unloading activities are taking place.

Congestion Charge

Vehicles driving within the central London Congestion Charging zone need to pay a daily charge by midnight of the following charging day, or they will receive a penalty charge. The Congestion Charge penalty increases the longer you take to pay it, so you are advised to pay the penalty charge promptly.

If your fleet includes six or more vehicles, you can register for Fleet Auto Pay which is a cheaper and quicker way of paying the charge. If you have fewer than five vehicles, register for CC Autopay which records your vehicles entering the charging zone and bills you once a month.

The zone operates from Monday to Friday between 07:00 and 18:00. Charges don’t apply on public holidays, or between 25 December and 1 January inclusive.

Find out more about the Congestion Charge on the TfL website

Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

The LEZ encourages the most polluting diesel vehicles in London to become cleaner. To drive within the LEZ without paying a charge, vehicles that weigh more than 3.5 tonnes must meet Euro IV emission standards. The daily charge for vehicles that don’t meet this standard is either £100 or £200 depending on the type and weight of the vehicle.

The LEZ covers most of Greater London and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Charging hours are from midnight to midnight so you may receive a separate penalty charge for each charging day that you drive within the LEZ.

If you drive within the LEZ and your vehicle does not meet the LEZ emissions standards (and is not registered for an exemption) you may be issued with a penalty charge.

Penalty charges can be issued to both GB and non-GB registered vehicles. Charges are either £500 or £1,000 depending on the type of vehicle, with 50 per cent discounts available for payment within 14 days.

Find out more about the LEZ from the TfL website

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http://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge

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London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS)

The LLCS is operated by London Councils.

It is designed to limit noise pollution in residential areas overnight and at weekends.

Vehicles weighing more than 18 tonnes are restricted from using certain roads at the following times:

• From 21:00 to 07:00, Monday to Saturday

• From 13:00 Saturday to 07:00 Monday

Excluded Route Network

Not all roads in London are restricted by the LLCS. There is a core network of routes along which heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) can travel at any time without needing permission to do so. These roads are collectively known as the Excluded Route Network (ERN).

Further information, including a map showing excluded roads and the boundaries of the LLCS, is available on the London Councils website

Permits for operating within the restricted LLCS area

If part of your journey needs to be made on a restricted road during the hours of LLCS operation, you can apply for permission to use a specified route.

Permission is free and you can apply by writing to:

London Lorry Control Scheme 59½ Southwark Street London SE1 0AL

Both the vehicle owner and driver could receive a penalty charge if a vehicle is found using restricted roads without valid permission.

The penalty charge is currently £550 for hauliers and £130 for drivers. These charges are reduced by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days.

9Parking and loading legally

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http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/londonlorrycontrol/default.html

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About PCNs

Why PCNs are issued

A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is a legal notice informing you that a penalty charge has been issued. A penalty charge is incurred when a vehicle contravenes parking, loading/unloading, stopping and moving traffic regulations, including bus lane regulations.

These contraventions could have a knock-on effect on other road users, often creating congestion and preventing traffic from flowing smoothly.

A standard system of two-digit codes is used to explain why a PCN has been issued.

As well as this code, the following information will appear on the notice:

• Description of the contravention

• Vehicle details

• Date, time and location where the offence took place

• Charge amount

One of the most common reasons for a penalty charge to be issued on red routes is for stopping where prohibited on a red route or clearway.

You could reduce the number of PCNs you receive by ensuring your drivers understand where and when they are permitted to stop.

Penalty charges are commonly issued for:

• Waiting in a restricted street during restricted hours

• Waiting in a loading gap marked by a yellow line

• Waiting for longer than the maximum period permitted

• Waiting in a loading bay during restricted hours with no visible loading activity taking place

• Not parked within the markings of the bay or space

• Parking with one or more wheels on or over a footpath

• Failing to pay the Congestion Charge

• Non-compliance with the Low Emission Zone

The accompanying booklet in Section 14 explains what the most common PCN codes mean, why they are issued and how to avoid them.

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How PCNs are issued

PCNs are mainly issued by civil enforcement officers (CEOs) or by CCTV enforcement officers monitoring on-street CCTV cameras.

• PCNs issued by CEOs will be issued ‘on the spot’, directly to the driver

• PCNs issued by CCTV enforcement will be sent through the post to the registered keeper of the vehicle

The police will also occasionally issue Fixed Penalty Notices, particularly if a vehicle is causing an obstruction to other road users.

CEOs enforce parking restrictions on both red routes and borough roads. They must give information and advice about parking regulations when asked, and they should be easily recognisable, wearing a uniform displaying the name of their company and individual ID number.

CEOs cannot cancel PCNs once they have been issued.

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Loading/unloading observation periods

Before a PCN is issued for a loading/unloading contravention the vehicle will be observed. The CEO or CCTV operator will be looking for evidence of loading/unloading activity. The vehicle must move away as soon as loading/unloading is completed.

The officer may note a vehicle’s details and then return periodically to check whether loading/unloading is taking place (known as casual observation). Alternatively, they may keep the vehicle in sight for a period of time before issuing a PCN (continuous observation). The length of the observation period varies according to the highway authority responsible for the road.

These observation periods are not grace periods for non-compliance, and the vehicle must move away as soon as the loading/unloading is complete.

Timings

The time allowed for loading and unloading varies across the Capital, but is typically either 20 minutes or 40 minutes. On the red routes a period of up to 20 minutes is usually observed.

The boroughs have their own guidelines on loading and unloading and these can vary from borough to borough, so drivers should check the roadside signs.

Parking on private land

It is important to check any available signage before parking on private land such as a supermarket car park.

Parking spaces on private land are usually made available with conditions attached, such as time limitations and parking meters. The landowner, or their contractor, can issue a parking ticket if the conditions set out on the signs are breached.

If you receive a ticket on private land and have any queries about it, you need to contact the landowner or their contractor who has issued the notice. The contact details should be on the ticket.

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How much do PCNs cost?

A 50 per cent discount is offered if the penalty charge is paid promptly.

PCNs on the red route are charged at:

Parking penalties on borough roads are divided into two bands and across two categories. PCNs on borough roads are charged at:

Penalties issued in Band A are more expensive than those in Band B due to the higher demand for parking in Band A areas. The map on the following page illustrates the locations of the Band A and Band B parking penalties in the London boroughs. PCNs on borough roads are also categorised according to the severity of the offence.

Higher level penalties apply to more serious contraventions, such as obstructing traffic by parking on yellow lines.

Lower level penalties are applied where parking is permitted but the regulations are contravened, for example, a lower level penalty would be applied for overstaying the allowed time in a loading bay.

There is more information about paying PCNs on page 27

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Penalty charge

Discounted amount (if paid within 14 days or 21 days for CCTV issued PCNs)

Charge certificate(if not paid within 28 days)

£130 £65 £195

Higher Lower

Band A £130 £80

Band B £110 £60

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Harrow

Barnet

Brent

Ealing

Band B

Band A

Hillingdon

Hounslow

Richmond

Kingston

Merton

Sutton Croydon

Bromley

Lewisham

GreenwichBexley

Havering

Redbridge

Islington

CamdenCity of

westmensterKensington

& Chelsea

Hammersmith

& Fulham

City

Southwark

Lambeth

Wandsworth

TowerHamlets

Hackney

Haringey

Enfield

WalthamForest

Newham

Redbridge &Dagenham

Existing on-street penalty charge bands

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Fewer penalty charges

It is important that everyone in the organisation understands the impact that penalty charges have on your business. They should also understand what they can do to help reduce them.

Documenting your plans

Many organsations document their plans to tackle the number of PCNs that are issued to them. We have found that they are more successful at reducing the number of penalty charges they receive than those organisations that don’t keep a record.

This documentation could be a simple register of penalty charges you receive, a section in your staff handbook, or a penalty charges reduction policy. Whichever format you choose, the document should outline:

• All the policies and procedures you have in place to reduce penalty charges

• The measures you have in place to record and deal more efficiently with the penalty charges you receive

• Who has responsibility for paying penalty charges – in some situations you may feel it is appropriate that the driver pays

• The commitments that staff across the business will make to work together to reduce penalty charges

Everyone in your organisation, including managers, route planning/scheduling staff and drivers, needs to be committed to reducing the number of penalty charges you receive. Here are a few tips to help you get the message across:

• Use internal communications tools, such as an internal newsletter, notice boards, intranet or staff and driver briefings to tell staff about the number of penalty charges your company receives, the costs incurred and the impact this has on your business

• Include penalty charge reduction messages in training sessions

• Tell drivers and route planners what their colleagues have done to reduce the number of penalty charges they have received

• Set weekly targets to gradually reduce the number of penalty charges received, highlighting how meeting these targets will benefit your business

Spotting patterns, gathering information about your customers’ locations and identifying hotspots will help you develop effective measures to tackle the number of penalties you receive.

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In larger organisations senior management support could go a long way towards helping you to implement measures to reduce the number of penalty charges your company receives. To gain senior management support you could emphasise the time and money savings you expect to achieve with your policy.

The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) offers a practitioner workshop which will help you develop, write, implement and communicate effective road transport policies.

Find out about the FORS Developing Road Transport Policy workshop, and others, on the FORS website

There is a sample PCN reduction policy in appendix three of this document

Recording your penalty charges

Keeping a record of your organisation’s penalty charges is an easy way to identify how you could reduce the number you receive. Track where you get them, when, why and who the driver is to see if any patterns emerge.

Making a record of the penalties you receive will help:

• Keep track of the number of penalty charges you receive

• Calculate how much they are costing you

• Identify locations where penalty charges are regularly received – penalty charge hotspots

• Identify common reasons for why they are issued

You may want to include the following information in your record:

• PCN details including ticket number, date, time, location

• Which customer the delivery/collection was being made to and where

• Driver information including licence held, any current endorsements and training record

Once your penalty charges record is established it can be used as a tracker, which could:

• Track penalty charges until they are paid or any appeals have concluded

• Help to pay penalty charges on time, allowing you to benefit from the discounted rate

As the amount of information in your record grows, patterns will emerge and opportunities to target penalty charge reduction will become more apparent.

FORS provides a PCN Tracker that you can adapt to suit the needs of your business. You can download it from the FORS website

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http://www.fors-online.org.uk/index.php?page=PC_TRACKER_INTRO

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Managing your penalty charges

Paying your penalty charges promptly will reduce the amount you pay. However, a high proportion are not paid during the discounted period simply because the receiving organisation has not kept track of when the charge was issued. This frequently results in penalty charges costing organisations more than necessary.

If your business regularly receives a high number of penalty charges, you may want to consider who is responsible for the administration of them. Some large organisations employ a dedicated penalty charges administrator or team to manage their penalty charges. Smaller companies may find that nominating an individual to take responsibility is as effective. This person or team makes sure that as soon as a penalty charge is received, it is recorded and either paid at the lowest rate, or challenged as soon as possible.

After a PCN has been issued

After any delivery in which a PCN is received, it is good practice to have a discussion with the driver to understand what happened. This will:

• Inform your decision about whether to pay, or appeal against, the penalty charge which could help to minimise the cost

• Identify and address any knowledge gaps or driver training needs

• Keep driver briefing documents up-to-date by identifying any new on-street regulations

• Raise awareness of why the penalty charge was received, reducing the risk of repeat contraventions

You may find it helpful to complete a PCN report either during or after the discussion with the driver. The report will help you to keep a record of where, when and why penalty charges are being issued and allow you to keep track of repeat issues and emerging hotspots.

An example of a PCN report form is included in appendix four

See also ‘Who pays?’ on page 27

Organisations that have already significantly reduced the number of penalty charges they receive and minimised their impact on traffic flow can receive additional help. TfL can help investigate ways to further reduce penalty charges in hotspot areas.

If you have done all you can with options available to you, then contact the relevant highway authority for further assistance using the contact details in Appendix two

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Results Over the last year Loomis has seen a 46 per cent reduction in the number of PCNs received. The average cost of each penalty charge has also fallen following the implementation of a prompt payment policy.

Case Study

The PCN manager: • Created a record to note where and why

PCNs were issued

• Instructed that all PCNs be sent to the processing centre no later than the next working day, allowing payment to be made within the discounted period

• Engaged with key highway authorities to understand why PCNs were being received in hotspot areas

• Surveyed 20 hotspot areas to produce maps and photos which were used to educate crews on safe and legal parking

• Developed and delivered a staff training programme, which included adding the top causes and total cost of PCNs to the monthly crew brief agenda

Loomis transports cash securely, and its PCN costs had been increasing year-on-year. To tackle this, Loomis recruited a dedicated PCN manager.

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Route planning and scheduling

Working with your customers

Before making any deliveries or collections to/from new premises it is a good idea to talk to the customer about any loading issues that may apply in their area. It may be that there is a dedicated off-street unloading area on the premises, or the customer may be aware of parking/loading facilities nearby.

This information could help you reduce the number of penalty charges you receive.

You may be able to gain valuable local knowledge by asking specific questions, such as:

• Are parking/loading facilities available outside your premises?

• Do you have a dedicated loading area?

• Are you aware of any planning or licensing restrictions that affect your business or building?

• If a dedicated delivery/collection time has been set, is this flexible? If so, you may want to arrange an alternative time at a quieter time of day or to fit in around the loading restrictions

• Are any other suppliers also delivering or collecting when we plan to?

Spending some time planning your vehicle’s route could help you reduce the number of penalty charges you receive. Avoiding peak time and accommodating known parking or loading restrictions could save you time and money and make your delivery time more reliable for your customers.

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A site assessment tool can be downloaded from the FORS website

See page 25 for more about using the site assessment to provide driver briefings

Site assessments

Completing a site assessment will help you to identify any restrictions that could result in a PCN. Site assessments are good practice for both new and existing customers where there are a high number of PCNs being issued.

The site assessment will help you prepare your drivers to make sure they are aware of any parking and loading/unloading restrictions.

The assessment should include the following:

• Details of immediate kerbside loading facilities and associated timings

• Details of premises with dedicated loading facilities

• An outline of the best route to the delivery address

• A detailed map of the area, including any restrictions

• Details of any risks when manoeuvring the vehicle, taking into account the surrounding environment and the safety of other road users

• Details of any risks when the driver is loading/unloading (taking into account the distance from the parked vehicle to the actual delivery/collection point, and any risk to the driver’s safety)

• Advice for the driver about any special restrictions (for example, turn off refrigeration units, use white noise reverse beepers)

• The date that the site assessment was carried out, by whom, and whether it was an initial site assessment or an update

• Updates from your drivers about any new restrictions or issues as they arise

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http://www.fors-online.org.uk/

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In 2012, G4S received 16,700 PCNs and anticipated spending £1.5m on PCNs during 2013. It was clear that urgent action was required, so G4S formed a project team to reduce the number of PCNs by 50 per cent.

Before 2011, 85 per cent of the PCNs G4S received were issued by CEOs, but by the end of 2012 the majority were issued via CCTV. With fewer PCNs being placed on drivers’ windscreens, it was apparent they thought they could park almost anywhere.

The project team tracked which customers were being delivered to when PCNs were received, and identified 200 penalty charge hotspot locations. Surveys of the hotspot locations were carried out to find alternative parking and loading options, and drivers were briefed to use these alternatives. At the same time as drivers were provided with updated instructions, the drivers’ training material was updated to ensure drivers understood how to comply with the on street restrictions.

Results Six months into the project, the goal of a 50 per cent reduction in PCNs was met.

Case Study

Find out more about driver training on page 24.

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Adapting your approach

Changing the way you make your deliveries may also reduce the number of penalty charges you receive. Work with your customers to find the best approach for both parties.

Retiming deliveries

Many restrictions only apply during the working day or at peak times, so changing the times that you make your deliveries could reduce your risk of receiving a penalty charge.

Retiming your deliveries could help reduce competition for peak time kerbside loading facilities and help smooth the flow of traffic.

Rethinking the last stage of the delivery

In some situations it may be possible to change the last stage of a delivery to save time and reduce the risk of receiving a penalty charge.

An example is parking in a space near to (rather than directly outside) the delivery address and using an alternative method to deliver the goods. This could be a trolley, a cargo cycle or other means. While this may not be suitable for all deliveries, it may have wider benefits such as avoiding congestion or one-way systems. This method might also work well with consolidated deliveries.

Consolidated deliveries

Arranging for one vehicle to make multiple deliveries to premises in the same area, rather than sending several vehicles, could be an effective way to avoid PCNs. This approach will require you to plan your route and may require negotiation with your customers over delivery/collection times but can be very effective.

Please email [email protected] for more information about how you can adapt your deliveries

Dispensations

If your site assessment reveals that there are no appropriate parking/loading solutions and you cannot adapt your approach, a dispensation might be granted.

A dispensation from loading restrictions will only be granted if it can be demonstrated that no alternative solution exists.

The highway authority will consider applications for dispensations to allow:

• Major building works

• Delivery and collection of cash and other high value items

• The vehicle to get close to the destination premises where no compliant alternative exists and there is no reasonable alternative to carry the goods for the final part of the journey

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mailto:freight%40tfl.gov.uk?subject=

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Dispensations are managed by TfL on red routes and the local borough on borough roads. Contact the relevant authority for more information.

Contact details for all of the highway authorities are on page 31

There are further details about dispensations on the TfL website

On receiving an application for a dispensation, the highway authority will consider:

• Whether it is possible to carry out the task in a different way

• The potential impact on other road users

• Whether the dispensation is for a special one-off event

• The risk to public safety and to other road users

A dispensation won’t be granted where reasonable parking alternatives are available. For example, if you are making a delivery, loading/unloading could take place in nearby parking or loading bays rather than immediately outside a property.

Dispensations requested for parking on single or double red lines are only granted in exceptional circumstances (such as erecting scaffolding or moving heavy items).

You do not need a dispensation if you are:

• Opening or closing a gate or barrier to allow the vehicle to enter or leave premises (and it is not reasonably practical to stop elsewhere)

• Using the vehicle in connection with the removal of any obstruction

• Using the vehicle in connection with maintenance, improvement or reconstruction of the carriageway

• A utilities company carrying out duties on the highway

A dispensation does not give permission to the vehicle to mount the footway. Drivers should carry out the delivery as quickly as possible and move away. In an emergency, or when there is heavy congestion, a CEO, community support officer or police officer may revoke a dispensation. If this happens, the driver will have to remove the vehicle immediately or may receive a penalty charge.

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The drivers’ role

Their commitment to reducing the number of penalty charges received is crucial to your success. Comprehensive training and two-way communication will ensure you make best use of their knowledge.

Driver training

However well you plan the journey, and regardless of how much information you provide, unless drivers understand the regulations on parking and loading/unloading, you will continue to receive penalty charges.

If you don’t already cover penalty charges as part of your driver training, you could use the following tips to raise awareness of the issues and help drivers take responsibility for reducing the number they receive. You will need to make sure agency drivers are appropriately trained as well.

Your drivers are your eyes on the road and they should understand more about the challenges of making deliveries on London’s roads than anyone else.

Inductions

When someone new joins the company, it is the perfect time to explain your attitude to parking enforcement and how you manage penalty charges. You could also use this opportunity to provide clear information about the vehicles being driven, the routes to be taken, the hazards to be expected, and under what circumstances the driver is responsible for paying the charges.

Refresher training

Continuous refresher training will provide drivers with up-to-date knowledge and ensure they understand the importance of minimising penalty charges. An ongoing training programme also provides the opportunity to identify any recurring knowledge gaps and further training requirements.

Refreshing your knowledge of the Highway Code, particularly regarding parking and unloading regulations, is always a useful activity.

The accompanying booklet in Section 13 - Parking and loading legally, making the signs make sense - identifies the different signs that drivers should be familiar with

FORS offers a series of practitioner workshops, including Minimising Transport Fines and Charges. Find out more on the FORS website

Online training opportunities

In addition, eLearning modules could supplement your training programme by providing information about compliant parking and penalty charges. For example, the FORS eLearning modules can be accessed free of charge at a time suitable for the driver and employer.

Find out more on the FORS website

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Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

It is an EU requirement for professional drivers to complete 35 hours of accredited training every five years to obtain their Driver Qualification Card (DQC). You can use this as an opportunity to send your drivers on a course that explicitly covers penalty charge reduction.

Driver briefings

Briefing drivers about parking and loading at their destination(s), before they begin their journey is a simple and effective way of minimising the risk of receiving a penalty charge.

A clear driver briefing could be compiled by:

• Using your drivers’ existing knowledge of sites they deliver to – this is a great way to share knowledge between drivers and engage them in the penalty charge process

• Completing a site assessment – this will help identify any visible on-street restrictions and is a good way to understand penalty charge problem areas and identify the restrictions at a new delivery site

More information about site assessments is provided on page 20

The accompanying booklet in Section 13 - Parking and loading legally, making the signs make sense - identifies the different signs that drivers should be familiar with

Reporting back after deliveries

A clear process to enable your drivers to tell you about new restrictions or issues will help minimise the risk of repeat penalty charges. This information should be used to update the site assessment.

The information that drivers should report back includes any items not previously identified in the site assessment or new restrictions, such as:

• Changes to the kerbside space

• New parking/loading restrictions

• Road closures, suspended bays

• Any upcoming event

After a penalty charge has been issued

After any delivery during which a PCN is received it is good practice to talk to the driver to gain an understanding of why it was issued.

See page 17 for more about having a conversation with a driver after a PCN is received

An example of a PCN report form is included in appendix four

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To reduce the number of PCNs they received, Virgin Media decided to employ parking specialists to focus on staff training and PCN reporting.

Results This training programme and reporting method has significantly reduced the number of PCNs received by the Virgin Media workforce.

At Virgin Media, compliant parking training now starts at apprentice level and is continued through all career levels, ensuring that all employees receive the same up-to-date message. Targeted training programmes take account of the particular needs of a London borough or highway authority.

Additionally, when Virgin Media’s programmed works conflict with on-site parking restrictions, engineers report back to the parking team who collaborate with the local authority to find an alternative solution.

If a penalty charge is received, the following measures minimise the costs:

• All drivers report the receipt of a penalty charge to the parking team from their vehicle at time of issue

• All PCNs are investigated prior to any appeal to the issuing authority

• On-street assessments of penalty charge hotspot areas are carried out to inform plans for future work

Case Study

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Paying PCNs When you receive a penalty charge, you should consider three things:

• Whether you understand why it was issued

• Whether you feel the fine was issued correctly or if you have valid grounds for appeal

• When the discounted period ends; paying before this period expires will reduce the amount you have to pay

See section 5 for more about managing your PCNs effectively

How to pay

If you, or your vehicle, receive a penalty charge it must be paid within 28 days. PCNs paid within 14 days of receipt will receive a 50 per cent discount.

If the penalty charge is received in the post (usually for contraventions caught on CCTV) the discount period is extended to 21 days from the date of issue.

You can pay online, by post or over the phone and you will need:

• The registration plate number of the contravening vehicle

• Credit or debit card details

Find out how much PCNs cost on page 13

Who pays?

Although it is not recommended as a long-term solution to reducing the cost of your penalty charges, it is worth considering who pays.

If your records show that particular drivers frequently receive penalty charges for avoidable or repeat offences you may feel it is appropriate for them to pay the fine.

Things to consider are:

• Has the driver received sufficient training?

• Are they driving your vehicle in a way they wouldn’t drive their own car?

• Are you missing opportunities to pay during the discount period because drivers hand in their PCNs several days after they have been received?

• Will asking the driver to pay the fine comply with your terms and conditions of employment?

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Making a representation

Your PCN will clearly state the contravention for which it has been issued. If you feel it should not have been issued you can make a representation within 28 days of the date of issue. The grounds for which you can do this are explained on the PCN.

All PCNs are suspended whilst representations are considered not just those received within the discount period.

If your representation is accepted, the penalty charge will be cancelled and you will receive written confirmation.

If your representation is rejected, you will receive a notice of rejection and the penalty charge will be reinstated from the point of suspension.

If you receive a notice of rejection, you can:

• Pay immediately

• Appeal to the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service (PATAS)

If you don’t respond to the notice of rejection, you will receive a charge certificate which will increase the cost of the penalty charge to £195.

More information on the different grounds for making a representation is available on the TfL website

Making an appeal to PATAS

If your representation against a penalty charge is rejected, you have the right to appeal to PATAS, the parking and traffic adjudication service and independent body that acts as a tribunal service.

Its decisions are final and binding on both you and the issuing authority. To appeal to PATAS you need to complete the form sent with the notice of rejection and return it to the address shown on the form.

Further information on the PATAS appeal process is available on the PATAS website

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http://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/red-routes/penalty-charge-notices/make-a-representation

http://www.patas.gov.uk/tmaadjudicators/tmaappealexplained.htm

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Appendix one: Glossary

CCTV enforcement Closed Circuit Television enforcement – PCNs are issued through the post to the registered keeper of the vehicle. See page 11 for more information.

CEO Civil enforcement officer – CEOs enforce parking restrictions throughout the red routes and boroughs issuing PCNs directly to the driver. See page 11 for more information.

Congestion Charge Vehicles driving within the Congestion Charge zone need to pay a daily charge to avoid a PCN. The zone operates from Monday to Friday between 07:00 and 18:00. See page 8.

Dispensation A dispensation from waiting and loading restrictions can only be granted where there is no alternative. A dispensation may not be granted where reasonable parking alternatives are available. See page 22 for more information.

ERN Excluded Route Network. Not all roads in London are restricted by the LLCS (see below). The ERN is a network of routes that vehicles weighing more than 18 tonnes can use at any time. See page 9.

Hotspot A location at which PCNs are regularly received.

LEZ Low Emission Zone. To drive within the LEZ without paying a daily charge, lorries and other large vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes must meet Euro IV emission standards. See page 8.

LLCS London Lorry Control Scheme. Vehicles weighing more than 18 tonnes are restricted from certain roads to limit noise pollution in residential areas overnight and at weekends. See page 9.

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Loading/unloading Loading/unloading is the movement of goods to and from a premises to where the recipient requires them. Loading must be seen as a continuous activity. Reasonable times are set by TfL to allow for collecting and checking any paperwork; however, as soon as the loading process is complete, the vehicle must be moved.

London Councils This body represents the interests of the 33 London local authorities. It is responsible for the parking adjudication service, PATAS, and administration of the London Lorry Control Scheme.

Observation period The period in which a vehicle is observed to establish whether loading/unloading is taking place. See page 12.

PATAS Parking and Traffic Appeals Service

PCN Penalty Charge Notice. A notice informing you that a penalty charge has been issued. It explains why it has been issued and the charge.

Red route Also known as the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN). A network of roads that accounts for five per cent of the Capital’s roads yet carries 30 per cent of the traffic.

TfL Transport for London. We are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Capital’s public transport, managing London’s main roads and planning and building of new infrastructure.

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Appendix two: Highway authority contacts

Transport for London [email protected] tfl.gov.uk

Barking and Dagenham 020 8592 5000www.lbbd.gov.uk

Barnet 020 8359 2000www.barnet.gov.uk

Bexley 020 8303 7777www.bexley.gov.uk

Brent 020 8937 4972www.brent.gov.uk

Bromley 020 8464 3333www.bromley.gov.uk

Camden 020 7974 4444 www.camden.gov.uk

Croydon 020 8686 4433www.croydon.gov.uk

Corporation of London 020 7332 3553www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Ealing 020 8579 2424 www.ealing.gov.uk

Enfield 020 8366 6565www.enfield.gov.uk

Greenwich 020 8854 8888www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk

Hackney 020 8356 5000www.hackney.gov.uk

Hammersmith & Fulham 020 8748 3020www.lbhf.gov.uk

Haringey 020 8489 0000www.haringey.gov.uk

Harrow 020 8863 5611www.harrow.gov.uk

Havering 01708 434343 www.havering.gov.uk

Hillingdon 01895 250111 www.hillingdon.gov.uk

Hounslow 020 8523 2000www.hounslow.gov.uk

Islington 020 7226 1234www.islington.gov.uk

Kensington and Chelsea 020 7937 5464www.rbkc.gov.uk

Kingston upon Thames 020 8547 5757www.kingston.gov.uk

Lambeth 020 7926 1000www.lambeth.gov.uk

Lewisham 020 8695 6000www.lewisham.gov.uk

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mailto:cctestakeholder%40tfl.gov.uk?subject=

www.tfl.gov.uk

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk

http://www.barnet.gov.uk

http://www.bexley.gov.uk

http://www.brent.gov.uk

http://www.bromley.gov.uk

http://www.camden.gov.uk

http://www.croydon.gov.uk

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

http://www.ealing.gov.uk

http://www.enfield.gov.uk

http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk

http://www.hackney.gov.uk

http://www.lbhf.gov.uk

http://www.haringey.gov.uk

http://www.harrow.gov.uk

http://www.havering.gov.uk

http://www.hillingdon.gov.uk

http://www.hounslow.gov.uk

http://www.islington.gov.uk

http://www.rbkc.gov.uk

http://www.kingston.gov.uk

http://www.lambeth.gov.uk

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Merton 020 8543 2222www.merton.gov.uk

Newham 020 8472 1430 www.newham.gov.uk

Redbridge 020 8478 3020www.redbridge.gov.uk

Richmond upon Thames 020 8891 1411www.richmond.gov.uk

Southwark 020 7525 5000www.southwark.gov.uk

Sutton 020 8770 5000www.sutton.gov.uk

Tower Hamlets 020 7364 5000www.towerhamlets.gov.uk

Waltham Forest 020 8527 5544 www.walthamforest.gov.uk

Wandsworth 020 8871 6000www.wandsworth.gov.uk

Westminster 020 7641 6000www.westminster.gov.uk

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http://www.newham.gov.uk

http://www.redbridge.gov.uk

http://www.richmond.gov.uk

http://www.southwark.gov.uk

http://www.sutton.gov.uk

http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk

https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk

http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk

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Appendix three: Sample PCN reduction policy

At [COMPANY NAME] we regularly use London’s road network and often receive PCNs. These increase delivery costs, and affect our ability to meet delivery deadlines.

We have identified a number of potential causes of PCNs and have introduced new measures to reduce the likelihood of these occurring. We will provide the necessary training to all our drivers to ensure they are aware of our policy to avoid receiving PCNs.

This policy will be reviewed regularly.

Our transport managers and route planners will:

• Consider the potential PCN implications in every delivery/collection

• Establish and use systems to monitor and plan deliveries to reduce the risk of a PCN being issued

• Ensure drivers have been briefed and have the information they need to reduce the chances of receiving a PCN, such as up-to-date information about loading restrictions in place at delivery/collection points

• Where appropriate, adapt delivery times and methods to reduce the risk of receiving a PCN

Our drivers will:

• Review the site assessment before making deliveries/collections

• Aim to complete all deliveries/collections within the permitted loading times and report it if they cannot

• Be aware of different restrictions in operation at each delivery/collection location

• Pass all PCNs received to the PCN administrator on return to the depot

• Log and pass on information on any new issues or restrictions on return to the depot

Our PCN administrators will:

• Ensure all PCNs are either paid or appealed within the discounted period

• Pass on any new information to the transport manager/route planner

• Fully update and maintain a database of all PCNs received to help identify trends and patterns

• Update site assessments, including maps

• Liaise with customers

• Liaise with boroughs

• Report changes in PCN trends and changes in overall PCN costs to the senior management team, as well as the rest of the organisation

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Appendix four: FORS PCN report form for drivers

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Please see the form on the following pages.


FORS PCN report form for driversThis form has been designed to assist drivers in making a record of PCNs and to help understand why a PCN has been received.

Penalty Charge Notice details

PCN number: ......................................................... Date of issue: ...................................................

CEO number: .................................................... Issuing authority: ....................................................

Company delivered to: ......................................................................................................................

Delivery location or address: .............................................................................................................

Penalty code: ..................................................... PCN amount (£): ....................................................

Driver and vehicle details

Driver name: .....................................................................................................................................

Employee number: ............................................................................................................................

Route reference: ...............................................................................................................................

Vehicle registration: ..........................................................................................................................

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY - DO NOT SEND TO THE PCN ISSUING AUTHORITY

Incident details

Please provide a description of the signage or road markings at the location:..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................


Please describe what was happening at the time of PCN issue:..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Other comments: ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Driver Signature:............................................................ Date:....................................

Action taken (office use only)

Appealed: Yes No Outcome: Won Lost

Amount paid (£): ........................................................ Date paid: .....................................................

Other comments: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Version Control: PCN Toolkit - PCN report form v1 June 2010


Please describe what was happening at the time of PCN issue:..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Other comments: ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Driver Signature:............................................................ Date:....................................

Action taken (office use only)

Appealed: Yes No Outcome: PCN cancelled To pay PCN

Amount paid (£): ........................................................ Date paid: .....................................................

Other comments: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Appendix five: Making the signs make sense

Parking and loading/unloading restrictions ....................................................... 38

Borough roads: Yellow lines ................................................................................................... 39

Borough roads: Kerb markings ............................................................................................ 40

Bus lanes and bus stops ............................................................................................................... 41

Clearways ....................................................................................................................................................... 42

Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) ........................................................................................ 43

Dropped kerbs ........................................................................................................................................... 44

Loading bays ............................................................................................................................................... 45

Parking bays .................................................................................................................................................. 46

Private land ................................................................................................................................................... 47

Red lines ........................................................................................................................................................... 48

Suspended bays ....................................................................................................................................... 49

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Parking and loading/unloading restrictions

This booklet outlines the signs and lines that freight and fleet drivers should look out for.

Please note that this information is correct as of April 2014, but is subject to change. Please use tfl.gov.uk and relevant borough websites for up to date information.

Before stopping to load/unload, you must always check the relevant signs and lines on the road and kerbside. These signs and lines give clear guidance about what you can do and when. Complying with these instructions will help minimise your risk of receiving a penalty charge.

You should never stop to load or unload in the following places:

• A pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zig-zag lines

• School keep-clear zig-zag lines

• A road with double white lines marked in the centre

• A clearway during its hours of operation (see page 42 for more about clearways)

• Cycle lanes marked by a solid white line between the cycle lane and main carriageway

• Where your vehicle obstructs traffic

• Within 10 metres of a junction

• In a bus stop or bus/coach stand

• On a footway, unless specifically permitted. A PCN can be issued to any vehicle with one or more wheels on the footway regardless of any dispensation that has been issued

• On part of the carriageway raised to meet the level of the footway, cycle track or verge

• By a lowered or dropped kerb

• In a suspended bay

• Double red lines

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Yellow lines

Yellow lines indicate that the highway authority which manages the road is the local borough.

You may load and unload on double and single yellow lines within the time limits displayed on nearby signs.

In most London boroughs, there is a time limit for loading and unloading at the kerbside throughout the day.

This limit is usually either 20 or 40 minutes. Always check nearby signs before parking.

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Kerb markings

Short yellow lines at right angles to the kerb indicate that loading is restricted:

• Double markings indicate no loading at any time

• A single marking indicates that loading and unloading is permitted at certain times of the day. A sign will show when you can load/unload. These times are likely to vary from street to street so make sure you check the sign that is relevant to where you intend to stop

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Bus lanes and bus stops

Most bus stops are clearways, you cannot stop in a clearway.

You may enter a bus lane to load and unload where this is not prohibited by a clearway, red route or other loading restriction. Always check the signs.

You must not load or unload in a bus stop.

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Clearways

The red cross means no stopping, not even to pick up or set down passengers.

The cross indicates that a clearway is in operation 24 hours a day, so you cannot stop at any time of the day or night.

You cannot stop on the main carriageway; however, you may be able to stop in a layby within the clearway. Always check the signs.

The cross may also be incorporated into other signs with the words “No stopping”. For example the “No stopping except local buses” sign at bus stops.

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Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ)

Parking is restricted in controlled parking zones.

The restrictions may refer to the time of day, the presence of a permit or the type of vehicle. CPZs apply to borough roads and more information can be found on borough websites.

The entry sign indicates the times when waiting is prohibited.

It is important to check the times that the zone operates. If there is no lower panel on the sign to show the days and times of operation, it operates at all times.

The zone is likely to include parking places and loading bays. Some parking places may be for permit holders only, others for general use.

Where the majority of on-street parking within the zone is pay and display, the heading on the entry sign may say “Pay and Display Zone” instead of “Controlled Zone”.

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Dropped kerbs

A dropped kerb is a small ramp built into the kerb of a pavement.

Do not park or stop to load/unload next to a dropped kerb.

Dropped kerbs are provided to:

• Help pedestrians, particularly disabled people and those with pushchairs to cross the road

• Allow vehicles to leave and join the carriageway

• Allow the movement of heavy-wheeled containers (such as commercial refuse and recycling containers) that need to be brought to the rear of the vehicle

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Loading bays

Nearby signs will indicate the operational hours and the maximum amount of time you can use the bay for loading/unloading.

Remember that when parked in a loading bay, continuous loading/unloading must take place.

This includes checking the goods delivered and carrying out paperwork, but there is no grace period for personal errands such as buying a paper.

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Parking bays

Some parking bays may also double as loading bays.

Where parking bays permit access to all vehicles, your vehicle must fit within the bay markings and if the bay is controlled by a parking meter, you may have to pay to use the space.

Do not load/unload in a suspended bay without explicit permission from the relevant highway authority.

Never load/unload in a bay that is reserved for another use, for example a doctors or disabled access bay.

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Private land

Check the signs before parking on private land, such as a supermarket car park.

Parking spaces on private land are usually made available with conditions attached, such as time limitations and parking meters.

A parking ticket can be issued if the conditions set out on the signs are breached.

If you receive a ticket on private land and have any queries about it, you will need to contact the landowner or their contractor who has issued the penalty charge.

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Red lines

Red lines indicate that the highway authority that manages the road is Transport for London (TfL).

These roads are also known as red routes or the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN).

You can’t stop, park, load or unload on red routes, except in a loading bay or on a single red line at permitted times.

Do not stop on a double red line at any time.

Broken red lines around a loading bay mean it is only available at certain times of the day. Check nearby signs to find out when it is available.

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Suspended bays

Parking bays will sometimes be suspended for road works and special events.

You cannot park, load or stop in the bay while it is suspended.

Signs will show the start time and date, hours and length of the closure and the reason for the suspension.

If you stop in a suspended bay, even for a short time, you may receive a PCN or your vehicle may be relocated or removed.

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Appendix six: Understanding contravention codes

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Understanding contravention codes ............................................................................ 51

Code descriptions ................................................................................................................................... 52

Code 01 – Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours ........... 56

Code 02 – Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force ....................................... 57

Code 21 – Parked wholly or partly in a suspended bay or space ........... 58

Code 26 – Parked in a special enforcement area more than 50cm from the edge of the carriageway and not within a designated parking space ........................................................................................................................................... 59

Code 27 – Parked in a special enforcement area adjacent to a footway, cycle track or verge lowered to meet the level of the carriageway ....................................................................................................................................... 60

Code 28 – Parked in a special enforcement area on part of the carriageway raised to meet the level of the footway, cycle track or verge ............................................................................................................................................... 61

Code 40 – Parked in a designated disabled person’s parking place without displaying a valid disabled person’s badge in the prescribed manner ........................................................................................................................................62

Code 46 – Stopped where prohibited (on a red route or clearway) ...... 63

Code 47 – Stopped on a restricted bus stop or stand ....................................... 64

Code 49 – Parked wholly or partly on a cycle track or lane ........................... 65

Code 61 – A commercial vehicle wholly or partly parked on a footway, verge or land in between two carriageways ....................................... 66

Code 62 – Parked with one or more wheels on or over a footpath or any part of the road other than a carriageway ....................................................... 67

Code 99 – Stopped on a pedestrian crossing or crossing marked by zig-zags ............................................................................................................................................................68

51

Understanding contravention codes

This booklet explains what the most common codes mean.

A clear understanding of why you are receiving PCNs is a first step in helping you work out how you can reduce the number you receive. There is a more detailed explanation of some of the most issued codes, along with suggestion for how to avoid them.

Following these tips will help drivers avoid receiving PCNs:

• Always check roadside signs before you park

• Restrictions may differ on different parts of the same street, so make sure you check the correct sign

• Do not block anyone else’s access to the carriageway. This includes cyclists, other vehicles and pedestrians

• Make sure every part of your vehicle is within the bay markings

• Do not stop next to a kerb that has been lowered or dropped to meet the carriageway

• Do not stop or load next to tactile paving (raised, textured paving that helps people with visual impairments identify a crossing point or road boundary)

• Do not park with any part of the vehicle on the footway

A contravention code is a two-digit code that is used to explain why a penalty charge has been issued. You will find the code printed on any PCN you receive.

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52

Code descriptions

On-street contraventions

Code Description Level

1 Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours (H)

2 Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force

(H)

4 Parked in a meter bay when penalty time is indicated (L)

5 Parked after the expiry of paid for time (L)

6 Parked without clearly displaying a valid pay and display ticket or voucher (L)

7 Parked with payment made to extend the stay beyond initial time (L)

8 Parked at an out-of-order meter during controlled hours (L)

9 Parked displaying multiple pay and display tickets where prohibited (L)

10 Parked without clearly displaying two valid pay and display tickets when required (L)

11 Parked without payment of the parking charge (L)

12 Parked in a residents' or shared use parking place without clearly displaying either a permit or voucher or pay and display ticket issued for that place

(H)

14 Parked in an electric vehicles' charging place during restricted hours without charging (H)

16 Parked in a permit space without displaying a valid permit (H)

The code descriptions below are taken from London Councils Standard PCN Codes v6.7.PCNs on borough roads are categorised according to the severity of the offence.

(H) Higher level penalties apply to more serious contraventions. (L) Lower level penalties are applied where parking is permitted but the regulations are contravened.

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53

18 Using a vehicle in a parking place in connection with the sale or offering or exposing for sale of goods when prohibited

(H)

19 Parked in a residents' or shared use parking place or zone displaying an invalid permit or voucher or pay and display ticket, or after the expiry of paid for time

(L)

20 Parked in a loading gap marked by a yellow line (H)

21 Parked in a suspended bay/space or part of bay/space (H)

22 Re-parked in the same parking place or zone within one hour after leaving (L)

23 Parked in a parking place or area not designated for that class of vehicle (H)

24 Not parked correctly within the markings of the bay or space (L)

25 Parked in a loading place or bay during restricted hours without loading (H)

26 Vehicle parked more than 50 centimetres from the edge of the carriageway and not within a designated parking place

(H)

27 Parked adjacent to a dropped footway (H)

30 Parked for longer than permitted (L)

34 Being in a bus lane N/A

35 Parked in a disc parking place without clearly displaying a valid disc (L)

40 Parked in a designated disabled person's parking place without displaying a valid disabled person's badge (H)

41 Stopped in a parking place designated for diplomatic vehicles (H)

42 Parked in a parking place designated for police vehicles (H)

45 Parked on a taxi rank (H)

46 Stopped where prohibited (on a red route or clearway) (H)

47 Stopped on a restricted bus stop or stand (H)

48 Stopped in a restricted area outside a school (H)

49 Parked wholly or partly on a cycle track (H)

55 A commercial vehicle parked in a restricted street in contravention of an overnight waiting ban (H)

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54

56 Parked in contravention of a commercial vehicle waiting restriction (H)

57 Parked in contravention of a coach ban (H)

61 A heavy commercial vehicle wholly or partly parked on a footway, verge or land between two carriageways (H)

62 Parked with one or more wheels on any part of an urban road other than a carriageway (H)

63 Parked with engine running where prohibited (L)

99 Stopped on a pedestrian crossing and/or crossing area marked by zig-zags (H)

Off-street contraventions

70 Parked in a loading place or bay during restricted hours without loading (H)

73 Parked without payment of the parking charge (L)

74 Using a vehicle in a parking place in connection with the sale or offering or exposing for sale of goods when prohibited

(H)

80 Parked for longer than permitted (L)

81 Parked in a restricted area in a car park (H)

82 Parked after the expiry of paid for time (L)

83 Parked in a car park without clearly displaying a valid pay and display ticket or voucher or parking clock (L)

84 Parked with payment made to extend the stay beyond initial time (L)

85 Parked without clearly displaying a valid permit where required (H)

86 Not parked correctly within the markings of a bay or space (L)

87 Parked in a disabled person's parking space without clearly displaying a valid disabled person's badge (H)

89 Vehicle parked exceeds maximum weight or height or length permitted (H)

90 Re-parked in the same car park within one hour after leaving (L)

91 Parked in a car park or area not designated for that class of vehicle (H)

92 Parked causing an obstruction (H)

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55

93 Parked in car park when closed (L)

94 Parked in a pay and display car park without clearly displaying two valid pay and display tickets when required

(L)

95 Parked in a parking place for a purpose other than that designated (L)

96 Parked with engine running where prohibited (L)

Optional suffixes

a temporary traffic order h hospital bay

b business bay i wrong type of voucher

c buses only j camera enforcement

d doctors’ bay k ambulance bay

e car club bay l loading place

f free parking bay m parking meter

g motorcycle bay n red route

o blue badge holder 1 electric vehicles bay

p pay and display 2 goods vehicle loading bays

q market traders’ bay 3 bicycle bay

r residents’ bay 4 virtual permit

s shared use bay 5 dedicated disabled bay

t pay and display ticket used in permit bay 6 hotel bay

u electronic payment

v voucher

w wrong parking zone

x incorrect VRM

y obscured/illegible permit

z out of date permit

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56

Code 01 – Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours

Description: The vehicle was waiting in a restricted street (eg on a yellow line) during the prescribed hours. The term waiting means stopping or parking.

Penalty charge level: Higher

Loading/unloading allowed: Yes

Observation period: Yes

Optional suffixes:

a temporary traffic order

j camera enforcement

o blue badge holder

y obscured/ illegible permit

z out of date permit

Avoid receiving a penalty charge: Check the roadside signs to make sure you can stop.

You may be allowed to park on different sides of the road at different times, so check the signs that refer to where you have stopped.

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57

Code 02 – Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force

Description: The vehicle was waiting or loading/unloading during prescribed hours in a street with loading/unloading and waiting restrictions.


Loading/unloading allowed: No

Observation period: No

Optional suffixes:

a temporary traffic order


o blue badge holder

Avoid receiving a penalty charge: Do not wait where loading restrictions are in place. This is indicated by both single and double yellow lines, roadside signs and yellow chevrons on the kerb.

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58

Code 21 – Parked wholly or partly in a suspended bay or space

Description: The vehicle waited in a suspended parking place or in a suspended part of a parking place.



Observation period: None required

Optional suffixes:

b business bay

c buses only

d doctors bay

e car club bay

f free parking bay

g motorcycle bay

h hospital bay


l loading place

Avoid receiving a penalty charge: Read all signage before parking.

If bays have been suspended, the signs will show the times and dates that parking is prohibited.

No vehicle may park in a suspended bay unless they have the express permission of the relevant highway authority.

WARNINGNO

Parking suspendedfrom

WAITINGLOADING

UNLOADING

m parking meter

p pay and display

r residents’ bay

s shared use bay

u mobile phone parking

v voucher bay

1 electric vehicles bay

2 goods vehicle loading bays

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59

Code 26 – Parked in a special enforcement area more than 50cm from the edge of the carriageway and not within a designated parking space

Description: The vehicle was parked too far away from the edge of the carriageway and not within a designated parking place.




Optional suffixes:


Avoid receiving a penalty charge: Read all signs before parking.

Park your vehicle no more than 50cm away from the edge of the carriageway.

Do not double park.

Ensure all of your vehicle is parked within bay markings.

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60

Code 27 – Parked in a special enforcement area adjacent to a footway, cycle track or verge lowered to meet the level of the carriageway

Description: The vehicle was waiting on a carriageway next to a footway where the footway, cycle track or verge has been lowered or dropped to meet the carriageway.




Optional suffixes:


Avoid receiving a penalty charge:

Do not park where the kerb/verge has been lowered to meet the level of the carriageway.

Make sure none of your wheels are next to any part of the dropped kerb.

Notes: The carriageway will have been lowered for one of the following reasons: • Helping pedestrians cross the carriageway

• Helping cyclists to enter and leave the carriageway

• Helping vehicles to enter and leave the carriageway

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61

Code 28 – Parked in a special enforcement area on part of the carriageway raised to meet the level of the footway, cycle track or verge

Description: The vehicle was parked next to the footway where the carriageway has been raised to meet the level of the footway, cycle track or verge.




Optional suffixes:


o blue badge holder


Before parking check that you will not block a footway or cycle track.

Be aware that this code can also be issued to vehicles parking or loading/unloading next to tactile paving. Tactile paving is raised, textured paving that helps people with visual impairments identify a crossing point or road boundary.

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62

Code 40 – Parked in a designated disabled person’s parking place without displaying a valid disabled person’s badge in the prescribed manner

Description: A valid disabled person’s parking badge and/or clock was not displayed when the vehicle was parked in a disabled person’s parking place.




Optional suffixes:

n red route


Never park in a disabled person’s place unless you have a valid badge.

If you do have one, ensure your badge and/or clock is clearly displayed.

DISABLED

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63

Code 46 – Stopped where prohibited (on a red route or clearway)

Description: The vehicle was waiting during prescribed hours on a red route or clearway indicated by ‘No stopping’ signs (and red lines on red routes).




Optional suffixes:


n red route


Check all signs before you park.

Do not stop, park, load or unload on red routes, except in a loading bay or at permitted times on a single red line.

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64

Code 47 – Stopped on a restricted bus stop or stand

Description: The vehicle was waiting during prescribed hours in a restricted bus stop or bus stop clearway/red route. These are identified by yellow markings and the words Bus Stop or Bus Stand.




Optional suffixes:


n red route


Do not wait in a bus stop or bus stand.

Check all signs before you park.

BUSSTOP

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65

Code 49 – Parked wholly or partly on a cycle track or lane

Description: The vehicle waited in a cycle lane separated from the rest of the carriageway by a solid white line or by a raised traffic island.

This contravention does not apply to advisory cycle lanes or footway cycle tracks. Advisory cycle lanes are at carriageway (road) level but are separated from the rest of the carriageway by a broken white line. Footway cycle tracks are on the footpath.


Loading/unloading allowed: Only in a cycle lane – read the signs carefully

Observation period: Only in a cycle lane

Optional suffixes: None


Check the signs before you park.

Do not stop to load or unload in a cycle lane marked by a solid line.

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66

Code 61 – A commercial vehicle wholly or partly parked on a footway, verge or land in between two carriageways

Description: The vehicle was waiting on part of the footway. This applies to heavy commercial vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes maximum gross weight (MGW).


Loading/unloading allowed: No - do not park on the footway at any time


Optional suffixes:


1 one wheel on footway

2 partly on footway


If your site assessment shows that there is no compliant place to load or unload, contact the relevant highway authority to discuss alternative parking or loading options or to apply for a dispensation.

4 all wheels on footway

5 on vehicle crossover

6 on grass verge

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67

Code 62 – Parked with one or more wheels on or over a footpath or any part of the road other than a carriageway

Description: The vehicle was waiting on part of a footpath or footway


Loading/unloading allowed: No - do not park on the footway at any time


Optional suffixes:


1 one wheel on footway

2 partly on footway


Do not park with one or more wheels on the footway or alongside the transition of the dropped kerb.

If your site assessment shows that there is no compliant place to load or unload, contact the relevant highway authority discuss alternative parking or loading options or to apply for a dispensation.

4 all wheels on footway

c on vehicle crossover

g on grass verge

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68

Code 99 – Stopped on a pedestrian crossing or crossing marked by zig-zags

Description: The vehicle waited on a pedestrian crossing marked by zig-zags



Observation period: No

Optional suffixes:


o blue badge holder


Do not stop to load/unload on a pedestrian crossing.

Check all signs and road markings before you park.

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© Transport for LondonWindsor House42-50 Victoria StreetLondon SW1H 0TL

March 2014

tfl.gov.uk © Some images courtesy of Crown Copyright

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

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