Is it illegal to stop or park in a loading bay?

MOTORISTS encounter a variety of parking rules and regulations nationwide.

Read on to discover the ways to avoid being slapped with a parking ticket in a loading bay.

1

Can I be fined for parking in a loading bay?

A loading bay is used to load or unload goods from a vehicle.

Loading bays allow businesses to load and unload goods near to their premises.

It also allows loading and unloading in general without disrupting traffic. 

They are typically outlined in yellow or white dotted lines and will say 'Loading Only'.

Loading bays usually have signs that state parking is prohibited in that area.

Sometimes the sign may say that parking is allowed between specified hours, but it is always best to check for signs before parking.

If the spot is used for parking and the sign says 'Loading Only', you will run a risk of getting a fine.

The price of the fine varies depending on the council parking laws.

In London, they can fine you £130 but the fine is usually halved if paid within 14 days.

To prevent receiving fines, it's advisable to carefully review all signage in the area and strictly use loading bays solely for their intended purposes.

Who can stop in a loading bay?

Stopping in a loading bay has slightly different rules than parking in one.

Any motorist can stop in a loading bay, as long as it is being used for its purpose.

Again, check for signs next to the loading bay that will tell you if there are any restrictions.

For example, some loading bays are designated for goods lorries only, so if you're in a car, steer clear!

If you are able to use a loading bay, you will usually have 20 minutes to complete your task before running the risk of a fine.

Removal vehicles are allowed a slightly longer time of 40 minutes but loading and unloading must happen continuously.

Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO) will usually observe a vehicle for a few minutes to give them time to observe any loading taking place.

If there is no continuous loading or unloading, you can risk gaining a fine too.

If you have to leave your vehicle unattended while in a loading bay, it needs to be clear that goods are being delivered or loaded.

You can do this by telling the traffic warden you're loading up or just by flicking on your hazard lights.

The items must be heavy or bulky enough to justify the use of the vehicle to transport them and they must either be pre-bought or pre-ordered as shopping does not count as loading.

Some areas of the country are hotspots for parking fines so it is wise to be wary of the rules.

If you drive in London especially, be extra vigilant as it is unlikely that loading bays will be accessible to cars.

Can I park in a loading bay overnight?

Check for any signs around the loading bay to see if parking is able there overnight.

Some signs will say loading only between 8 am to 6 pm for example and then say parking from 6 pm to 8 am.

There is no one rule for parking in loading bays overnight, so it is best practice to check with the council before parking in one.

It is possible to be charged a fine for parking in loading bays that have no sign.

Drivers have been forced to pay fines for parking in an unmarked loading bay.

Such heavy fines can be a real headache for van drivers who have to utilise such parking spots on a regular basis.