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London Rules for loading and unloading

London can be problematic when it comes to parking and avoiding fines. To help, we have compiled some information that will assist you day to day in London. Please be aware that various authorities are trying to get it right and enable the freight industry to do its thing without the current problems you face day to day. As such there is a mixed bag of options all with the ability to catch you out, which parking attendants are keen to exploit.

Most important thing to remember

When a vehicle stops in order to load or unload goods it is often exempt from parking regulations. However continual use of the vehicle is necessary and it must be moved immediately loading has finished. Taking bulky or heavy goods to or from a vehicle is normally permitted.

Reasonable time is permitted for checking paperwork too, but as soon as the delivery is finished, the vehicle must be moved. Loading time (observation time) is usually restricted to between 5 to 20 minutes but this varies from borough to borough. If more time is required then you need to contact the local council to make special arrangements, where you can pay for the privilege. To reserve a bay or some space see our table here.

Obvious restrictions

Restricted areas include:

disabled bays
bus stops
taxi ranks
diplomatic parking
suspended parking bays
zig-zags around pedestrian crossings
clearways

Camera Enforcement

There is a growing number of static camera sites which are permanent video recorders that marshal the parking and moving traffic. They have swivels and amazing zooms. They'll get you somehow.

Need help to remember exactly what the various lines, signs, rules and regulations mean to you? Below we have listed the different types in an easy to understanding 'what it is all about'.

For information relating to getting a suspension for a parking bay or dispensation to park up to load or unload on a single or double line go to section titled - Loading. This will spell out the costs, and who to contact in any of the 33 London Borough councils as well as TfL (Transport for London) for the Red routes.

Home Map Loading and unloading Parking Information Congestion charging information Appeals Lines, signs, rules and regulations 24hr London Radio stations Services Shop About Pie	Home → Parking Information Parking information London Rules for loading and unloading London can be problematic when it comes to parking and avoiding fines. To help, we have compiled some information that will assist you day to day in London. Please be aware that various authorities are trying to get it right and enable the freight industry to do its thing without the current problems you face day to day. As such there is a mixed bag of options all with the ability to catch you out, which parking attendants are keen to exploit. Most important thing to remember When a vehicle stops in order to load or unload goods it is often exempt from parking regulations. However continual use of the vehicle is necessary and it must be moved immediately loading has finished. Taking bulky or heavy goods to or from a vehicle is normally permitted. Reasonable time is permitted for checking paperwork too, but as soon as the delivery is finished, the vehicle must be moved. Loading time (observation time) is usually restricted to between 5 to 20 minutes but this varies from borough to borough. If more time is required then you need to contact the local council to make special arrangements, where you can pay for the privilege. To reserve a bay or some space see our table here. Obvious restrictions Restricted areas include: disabled bays bus stops taxi ranks diplomatic parking suspended parking bays zig-zags around pedestrian crossings clearways Camera Enforcement There is a growing number of static camera sites which are permanent video recorders that marshal the parking and moving traffic. They have swivels and amazing zooms. They'll get you somehow. Need help to remember exactly what the various lines, signs, rules and regulations mean to you? Below we have listed the different types in an easy to understanding 'what it is all about'. For information relating to getting a suspension for a parking bay or dispensation to park up to load or unload on a single or double line go to section titled - Loading. This will spell out the costs, and who to contact in any of the 33 London Borough councils as well as TfL (Transport for London) for the Red routes. Related content Lines, signs, rules and regulations