Loading and unloading

If you need to quickly load and unload items from your vehicle, you're normally exempt from parking regulation.

All commercial deliveries and collections (including multi-drop and couriers) are included in the exemption. Reasonable time is allowed for the checking of paperwork too - however, as soon as the delivery has finished the vehicle must be moved.

Builders dropping off or picking up tools from a site are exempt, but the vehicle must be removed immediately following the loading and unloading. If it's essential for a vehicle to be parked nearby while working (eg a glazier's or scaffolder's vehicle), you must contact us to make special arrangements.

Loading time is restricted to either 20 or 40 minutes depending upon the location. If more time is required, contact us for permission (a dispensation) in advance.

Many parking restrictions allow an exemption for loading, but you should:

• never stop where your vehicle will cause an obstruction to traffic or pedestrians
• never stop on white zig-zags at pedestrian crossings
• never stop on restricted areas outside schools when prohibited
• only park on the pavement if there's no other way the delivery or collection can be made (someone must be with the vehicle at all times) 

Yellow lines

It's important to note that:

• loading and unloading is permitted on single and double yellow lines for a maximum of 40 minutes
• you must not cause an obstruction and ensure there is no loading ban
• in addition to parking restrictions, you'll see yellow stripes (chevrons) on the kerb
• double stripes indicate that loading and unloading is not permitted at any time 
• single stripes mean no loading and unloading during certain times and will have an accompanying time plate

Red lines

• red lines indicate controls that are managed and enforced by Transport for London
• you cannot stop to load and unload on a red line during its operational times. Double red lines apply all day, most single red lines apply between 7am and 7pm but are signed red routes have red loading 'boxes' marked on the road where loading is permitted at certain times
• always check the permitted loading times on the sign

Parking bays

• you can stop to load and unload on parking bays (pay and display, permit bays etc) for a maximum of 20 minutes during controlled hours
• you cannot load and unload on diplomatic parking bays
• you cannot load and unload on a suspended parking bay (unless you have requested the suspension)
• you should if possible avoid using disabled bays

Clearways

• on clearways stopping to load and unload is banned
• bus stops and taxi ranks are often clearways - you should not load and unload on a restricted bus stop or stand or on a taxi rank

Avoiding Penalty Charge Notices - PCNs

You should:

• check the signs and lines to ensure loading and unloading is permitted before you start
• tell any traffic warden or civil enforcement officer that you are loading and that you will move the vehicle once you are finished
• if you are leaving the vehicle unattended try to make it obvious that you are loading and loading.

If you get a Penalty Charge Notices - PCNs

You should:

• not ignore PCNs - penalties can escalate if you don't pay or challenge promptly
• not argue with the traffic warden or civil enforcement officer after a PCN has been issued; they cannot and will not cancel it
• move the vehicle, if you do not it may be towed away
• pay promptly if you were in the wrong; this will save you time and inconvenience
• if you see the traffic warden or civil enforcement officer ask them to make a note of the fact that you were loading in their pocket book; this might help you challenge the PCN later
• if you have been away from the vehicle loading and return to find a PCN, you should be prepared to explain (to the council or adjudicator) exactly what you were doing
• keep copies of documentary evidence (for example, delivery notes and receipts)

The content of this page is provided by London Councils.

Page last updated: 24 January 2020