Transport for LondonParking and loading
In special circumstances, like if you're moving home, you can also ask us to relax the rules for you.
Find out about getting a vehicle dispensation
Parking
Single red lines mean that you can only stop or park at certain times, double red lines means no stopping at any time. Signs tell you where and when. Always check the signs.
Blue Badge
If you're a Blue Badge holder we're more flexible and give you more places to park. Road signs will tell you what the rules are for Blue Badge holders.
Parking bays
General rule - What you are allowed to do in the bay is indicated on the sign.
Parking bays with white lines
These are generally operational between 7:00 and 19:00 although this does vary so always check the sign.
This sign: Vehicles are permitted to park for one hour between the times of 7:00 and 19:00. No vehicle should return to the bay within two hours of leaving.
Parking restrictions
Single Red Lines
You must not stop on single red lines on the day/times shown on the sign. Generally this will be Monday to Saturday 7:00 or 8:00 to 19:00. Always check the sign.
Taxis and some private hire vehicles can stop to drop off and pick up passengers.
More about exemptions for Taxi and Private Hire on red routes
Double Red Lines
You must not stop at any time on double red lines.
Got a Blue Badge?
If you have a valid Blue Badge (disabled parking permit) on display, you can drop off and pick up disabled passengers on single and double red lines. You're not allowed to park before or after this, and your vehicle must move off after dropping passengers off.
More about Blue Badge Holders and red routes
Red route clearway
Stopping is only allowed in marked lay-bys.
There are signs marking the beginning and end of the clearway. There are no red lines except at some roundabouts and junctions.
Loading and unloading
When using a loading bay, loading or unloading must be visibile or you must be able to prove to us that you are loading or unloading.You can use loading bays for loading and unloading when there's no alternative such as a service road or back gate. Use of the vehicle must be necessary, and it must be moved immediately after loading has finished.
Different types of loading bay
- Some allow loading only between specified hours
- Some allow loading and parking if you have a valid Blue Badge on display
Shopping or getting cash?
Remember that parking to shop or going to the cash machine is not loading.
Loading bays with red lines
These are generally operational between 10:00 and 16:00 although this does vary, so always check the sign.
This sign: The bay is operational between 7:00 and 19:00 and vehicles are permitted to load or unload for 20 minutes between 10:00 and 16:00.
Between 7:00 and 10:00 and 16:00 to 19:00 you must not stop in the bay.
Remember, stopping however briefly for loading or unloading shopping is not permitted.
All commercial deliveries and collections are permitted but the vehicle must move off as soon as the delivery or collection has finished.
Builders
If you're dropping off or picking up tools from a site, you can use loading bays, but your vehicle must be removed as soon as the loading and unloading is done.
Loading time
Restricted to either 20 or 40 minutes depending on location. If no loading or unloading is noted, you may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). If more time is required contact us for a dispensation in advance.
Red route suspensions
We'll suspend a red route for road works and special events.
This means you can't park, load or stop there whilst it's suspended.
Signs will show start time and date, hours and length of closure and the reason.
We may issue a £130 Penalty Charge Notice
- If you're parked in a bay outside of the permitted times
- If you take longer than specified on the sign
- If there's no sign of loading or unloading within the specified time
- if you're parked in a loading bay and you are not loading or unloading
- If you stop for no evident reason
