Loading and Unloading

All listed below must follow loading regulations stated on this page

• Businesses
• Residents moving goods or equipment
• Waiting vehicles

If loading is going to take a long time, please contact the parking shop in advance for advice, call 0844 800 2736.

Loading on yellow lines

You can stop to load or unload on both single and double yellow lines if

• Your vehicle doesn't cause an obstruction
• There is no loading ban in place

If a loading ban is in place, it will be shown on the parking signs on lamp posts and by yellow stripes, also known as blips, on the kerb.

One stripe means that you can only load at certain times, check the sign for times. Two stripes mean no loading at any time.

Loading on red routes

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

• Single red lines, no loading during operational times, usually 7am to 7pm
• Double red lines no loading at any time

Loading in parking bays

A vehicle can load or unload in a parking space, for example, a resident parking bay or shared use bays

• Do not park in suspended parking bays, shown by a sign or yellow bag over the meter head
• Avoid parking in disabled parking bays

Areas where loading is not allowed

Vehicles cannot park for loading or unloading purposes on

• The approach to pedestrian crossings, marked by zigzags
• Areas where there are yellow 'blip' markings, either one, two or three yellow stripes on the kerb
• Clearways eg many bus stops and taxi ranks

Use of hazard lights

A parking ticket, also known as a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will still be issued if you park illegally and use your hazard lights improperly. You must move your vehicle on if told to do so by a civil enforcement officer, traffic warden or police officer.

If you receive a parking fine whilst loading

If you see the traffic warden or police officer issuing the ticket

• Do not argue with them. They cannot cancel the parking ticket on the spot
• Ask them to make a note of the fact that you were loading in their notebook. It may help you if you challenge the ticket later
• Move your vehicle quickly. If you do not it may be towed away

Do not ignore the parking ticket. The fine may increase if you do not pay or challenge the ticket promptly.

Contact us

The Parking Shop
Tel: 0844 800 2736
parking@southwark.gov.uk
364 Old Kent Road
London
SE1 5AA
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 6.30 pm, Closed Sunday and bank holidays