Parking: Avoiding Traffic Wardens

Parking can be a real problem in both big cities and small towns, as can finding somewhere you can stop to carry things in and out of a building, such as school projects, or decorating supplies. It's a problem for everyone who drives, and getting a parking ticket can be really frustrating, especially if you didn't realise that you were parking or unloading somewhere that you weren't meant to. The following are some of the most common sign instructions that you will see on the road, and what they mean.

Common Signs:No Waiting at Any Time

This is indicated by double yellow lines and this means (as you'd expect), that waiting is not allowed at any time of the day or night. There is no longer always a need for signs to be displayed, and the signage that exists is being phased out. You are however allowed to stop to let someone get in or out of the car, or to unload goods from a vehicle.

No Waiting During Times Show on Sign.

Pretty self-explanatory, this means that waiting is not allowed during the times indicated on the sign. Again you may allow people to get in and out of your vehicle and to unload or load goods on the condition that you are not causing an obstruction to anyone.

Limited Waiting

Limited waiting means that you are not allowed to wait during the days and the times indicated on the sign. As long as you stick to the instructions on the sign, you can keep the traffic warden away!

No Loading at Any Time

Loading is not allowed 24 hours a day. This includes stopping 'for five minutes' to let someone jump out of the car and grab a box from the boot. Find somewhere else to do it!

No Loading During Times Shown on the Sign

Loading is not allowed during the time and days shown. You are allowed to let passengers get in and out of the car, and you may unload or load goods during the times and days specified on the sign.

Bus Stop Clearway

You are not allowed to park in a bus stop. There is no stopping at any time unless you are driving a bus! You quite often see people parked in bus stops especially if they are located outside shops or schools but if you're seen stopping for any time at all, unless you're caught in slow moving traffic, then you are very likely to be issued with a ticket.

Outside a School

This is usually indicated by wavy yellow lines and you must not stop anywhere along the length of the road markings or you can be fined and issued with penalty points. This means that you MUST NOT stop to let people in or out of the car or to load or unload goods. If you need to pick up/drop children off or help them carry something to or from school, then try to do so a little further down the road to avoid traffic congestion and accidents.

Parking in Disabled Parking Spaces

You can park here if you have the relevant badge and display it clearly for any passing traffic wardens to see. If you put your badge anywhere that allows it to fall down out of sight, then you can be issued with a ticket for not displaying your badge. You can appeal the ticket later, but it's easier to just make sure it doesn't happen in the first place! If you want clarification on what you need, refer to the local council website for details of the rules governing the area you are parking in.

Footpaths and Verges

Footpaths and verges do class as part of the highway and so are covered by highway rules. If there are yellow lines alongside them and you park there anyway, then you may well be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

Dig Out the Highway Code

It's really quite easy to keep the traffic warden at bay. If you're finding it difficult to understand or interpret road signs and markings, it might be time to dig out that old copy of the highway code - or invest in a new one. If you know where you can and can't park, you're much less likely to end up with a fine and points on your licence.