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Loading and unloading

Loading and unloading your vehicle in Southwark.

You're exempt from parking rules if you need to quickly load and unload items from your vehicle.

You have either 20 or 40 minutes to load or unload, depending on your location. Loading and unloading activity should be constant. A traffic warden or civil enforcement officer should be able to observe it going on. 

You must move your vehicle as soon as the loading or unloading is finished.

This applies to all commercial deliveries. Trades people can also load and unload tools and materials. But, they must move their vehicles once they’ve finished loading or unloading.. 

When you are loading or unloading your vehicle, you must:

  • not block traffic or pedestrians
  • never stop on white zigzags near pedestrian crossings
  • avoid restricted areas outside school
  • always check signs and lines first
  • tell a civil enforcement officer that you are loading or unloading and will move when done
  • make it clear you are loading or unloading if unattended

You can park on the pavement only if there is no other way to load or unload, but someone must stay with the vehicle.

If you need to park while working, or you need an extended period of time, you can:

Yellow lines

You can load or unload for up to 40 minutes if your activity is constant. Check for yellow stripes on the kerb. Double yellow stripes mean no loading at all. Single stripes mean there is a time restriction and you need to refer to the kerbside signs.

Red routes

You cannot load or unload during operational times if there are red lines. Most single red lines apply between 7am and 7pm but may have red loading 'boxes' marked on the road where loading is permitted at certain times. Double red lines apply all day.

Visit Transport for London for more details on red routes.

Parking bays

You can stop to load and unload on parking bays (such as pay and display or permit bays) for a maximum of 20 minutes during controlled hours.

You should avoid using disabled bays. You should not load and unload at a restricted bus stop, bus stand or taxi rank.

You cannot load and unload on:

  • diplomatic parking bays
  • suspended parking bays (unless you have requested the suspension)

Find out more about suspension of parking bays.

Receiving a parking ticket

If you receive a parking ticket when loading or unloading, you should:

  • not ignore it, as penalties can escalate if you do not pay or challenge promptly
  • not argue with the civil enforcement officer after it has been issued, as they cannot and will not cancel it
  • move the vehicle, or else it may be removed
  • pay promptly if you were in the wrong

If you see the traffic warden or civil enforcement officer, ask them to make a note of the fact that you were loading on their phone. This might help you challenge the parking ticket later.

If you have been away from the vehicle and return to find a parking ticket, be ready to explain. You will need to say exactly what you were doing to the council.

Keep copies of any documentary evidence, such as delivery notes and receipts.

For any exceptions or questions you may have:

Further information

Visit London Councils for details on loading and unloading.