Waiting restrictions

These are indicated by signs and road markings. Yellow lines along the road parallel to the kerb indicate that restrictions apply.

Small yellow plates may be mounted on walls, posts or lampposts nearby. These give more precise details of the restriction that applies. If there are double yellow lines painted on the road but no plates nearby, there’s no waiting at any time.

Controlled parking zones

In controlled parking zones, the times of operation of the zone will be shown on the entry signs. Yellow lines show where waiting is prohibited or restricted, but yellow plates aren’t normally provided in these zones.

White bay markings and upright signs indicate where parking is allowed.

Clearways

Some areas and main roads are designated as ‘no stopping’ zones or clearways. This means no stopping on the main carriageway at any time, not even to pick up or set down passengers.

On urban clearways there’s no stopping during the hours of operation except for as long as necessary to set down or pick up passengers.

Loading and unloading

‘Loading’ is defined as when a vehicle stops briefly to load or unload goods that are so heavy or bulky it isn’t easy to carry them any distance, and more than one trip may be involved. Picking up items that can be carried, such as shopping, doesn’t constitute loading.

You may be allowed to load and unload in places where waiting is restricted. Yellow markings on the kerb show that loading and unloading is
prohibited. The times when this is prohibited are shown on the nearby upright signs. There may also be special bays marked by broken white lines and the words ‘Loading only’ marked on the road and upright signs.

Red Routes

On many roads in larger cities in the UK, Red Route signs and red road markings have been introduced to replace the yellow-line restrictions (see section 18). For more information on Red Routes, visit tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/red-routes