Single and double yellow lines mean there are parking restrictions.

• Single lines mean that you can't park your vehicle at the times shown on nearby signs
• Double yellow lines mean you can't park your vehicle at any time

You may load and unload a vehicle on a yellow line if no loading restrictions are in force. Normally, you can do this for as long as you need to. Kerb markings next to yellow lines mean there are loading restrictions.

• Single kerb marks mean you can't load your vehicle at the times shown on nearby signs
• Double kerb markings mean you can't load your vehicle at any time

Kerb markings are normally painted along the edge of the road but they do apply to the whole width of the marked part of the road. This includes footways and parts of the pavement called crossovers that give vehicles access to private properties.

Enforcing restrictions

If you park a car or motorcycle on a yellow line where loading is permitted, the parking attendant will observe the vehicle for a period of three minutes to see if loading is taking place. If the parking attendant doesn't see any activity, they may issue a parking ticket.

It is accepted that sometimes you may need to:

• park on a yellow line for prolonged periods
• unload bulky or heavy goods
• leave your vehicle for a short time due to the location of the property you are visiting

In these circumstances, when we are satisfied that loading was carried out according to the regulations, we will cancel the penalty notice (parking ticket).

Other places where you can load and unload

You can load and unload at any time:

• in a street where there are no yellow lines, no parking bays or no parking restrictions
• in a parking bay (such as a resident bay or pay and display bay)

Do not load or unload:

• during the hours when a loading restriction applies
• where the sign says no stopping, for example, at bus stops and taxi ranks
• on the zigzag marks at each side of pedestrian crossings and outside schools

When there is no alternative you can park on the footway to load or unload goods to or from neightbouring properties, provided that:

• the loading or unloading is carried out without a break
• there is no loading ban in place
• someone is with the vehicle at all times
• your vehicle does not obstruct traffic or pedestrians

Date Updated: 08/04/08