LIGHTEN THE LOAD
Is it illegal to stop or park in a loading bay?
Plus, find out if you can park in a loading bay overnight
LOADING bays might seem like a convenient place to pull over for a while, but the laws surrounding them can be tricky, and falling foul of them may prove costly.
Here's everything you need to know to avoid being slapped with a fine for stopping in a loading bay.
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Can I be fined for parking in a loading bay?
Loading bays are used to load or unload goods from a vehicle, allowing businesses to stock up close to their premises without disrupting traffic too much.
They are typically outlined in yellow or white dotted lines and will say 'Loading Only'.
It is always advisable to check for signs before using a loading bay for any amount of time.
Loading bays often have signs stating that parking is prohibited in the area.
READ MORE ON PARKING
Some also have nearby signs advising that parking in the bay is only allowed between specified hours.
If you park there 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.
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To prevent receiving any 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?
The rules for stopping in a loading are slightly different than the rules for parking in one.
How to appeal a parking ticket
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 you must 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 receiving a fine.
Removal vehicles are allowed a slightly longer time of 40 minutes, but the loading and unloading must happen continuously.
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Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO) will usually observe a vehicle for a few minutes to give them time to observe any loading taking place.
If loading and unloading is not being done continuously, you run the risk being fined.
And if you need to leave your vehicle unattended while in a loading bay, it has to be clear that goods are being delivered or loaded.
You can do this by telling a nearby traffic warden or by simply switching your hazard lights on.
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.
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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, 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 8am to 6pm for example, and then say parking from 6pm to 8am.
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.
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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.
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