Transport for LondonParking and loading bays
Red route parking
Roads on the red route have stopping and parking restrictions in place which can be identified by red lines, red and white bays. Next to these are road signs indicating the times when parking or stopping is allowed.
TfL is responsible for traffic enforcement along the red route, using a combination of Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) and an extensive network of CCTV cameras.
Loading bays
Throughout the red route network there are loading and parking bays which allow drivers and other road users to park or use to load and unload during specified times. Such bays can be red or white in colour and their respective signs also show the hours when they can be used.
TfL will do all that it can to avoid unnecessary enforcement
Loading bays are an essential part of the red route network as they allow businesses, residents and visitors to make and receive vital, often bulky deliveries. Their availability is limited and only available during specified periods where their use will not cause any major disruption to the road network.
TfL will do all that it can to avoid unnecessary enforcement. However, a Penalty Charge Notice will be issued to a vehicle that does not appear to be using a loading bay appropriately. This will only occur after a 5 minute observation period.
Where vehicles are observed in parking and loading bays for longer than 20 minutes, then TfL may, as a last resort, remove the vehicle to allow others to use the bay. However, TfL will not remove any vehicle in such bays until at least 30 minutes after a penalty has been issued and will do all it can to ensure enforcement is appropriate and fair.
Read more about vehicle removals.
Common misunderstandings include drivers who believe they can park in a loading bay during the prescribed hours for up to 20 minutes to visit the Bank or a local shop to buy a newspaper for example. This is not the case and a penalty is likely to be issued in such instances.
This sign shows that vehicles can not stop between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Saturday and any vehicle identified as stopped or parked during this time may be issued with a penalty. However between the hours of 10am and 4pm vehicles can stop only to load and unload for up to 20 minutes. If the vehicle is displaying a valid Blue Badge then it can park for a maximum of 3 hours between 10am and 4pm on the days shown.
Parking on yellow lines
The 33 boroughs (not TfL) are responsible for ensuring that drivers are following the rules of single and double yellow lines in London. These lines indicate an area where parking restrictions apply.
Before parking check the following:
- The days and times when parking is prohibited are shown on a sign at the side of the road, or at the entry point of a controlled parking zone
- You may stop on yellow lines to pick up or drop off passengers
- On some yellow lines you may also stop to load or unload goods, but always check the roadside signs first
- Traffic rules vary from borough to borough, so please check the roadside signs when driving or parking on unfamiliar roads
- If in doubt do not park on a yellow line - you risk being issued a penalty
For more information about parking on local borough roads, visit the London Councils website.
