Taxi Driver Online

WAITING AND PARKING

4–2057

You MUST NOT wait or park where there are restrictions shown by

● yellow lines along the edge of the carriageway

● school entrance markings on the carriageway (see Along the edge of the carriageway section)
The periods when restrictions apply are shown on upright signs, usually at intervals along the road, parallel to the kerb.

[Law RTRA ss 5 & 8.]

Parking

4–2058

Use off-street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines on the road as parking places, wherever possible. If you have to stop on the road side

● stop as close as you can to the side

● do not stop too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge, remember, they may need more room to get in or out

● you MUST switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights

● you MUST apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle

● you MUST ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door

● it is safer for your passengers (especially children) to get out of the vehicle on the side next to the kerb

● lock your vehicle.

[Laws CSDPA s 21, CUR regs 98, 105 & 107, RVLR reg 27 & RTA 1988 s 42.]

You MUST NOT stop or park on

● the carriageway or the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency (see Rule 244)

● a pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zig-zag lines (see Rule 167)

● a Clearway (see Traffic signs section)

● a Bus Stop Clearway within its hours of operation

● taxi bays as indicated by upright signs and markings

● an Urban Clearway within its hours of operation, except to pick up or set down passengers (see Traffic signs section)

● a road marked with double white lines, except to pick up or set down passengers

● a bus, tram or cycle lane during its period of operation

● a cycle track

● red lines, in the case of specially designated 'red routes', unless otherwise indicated by signs.
[Laws MT(E&W)R regs 7 & 9, MT(S)R regs 6 & 8, ZPPPCRGD regs 18 & 20, RTRA ss 5 & 8, TSRGD regs 10, 26, 27 & 29(1), RTA 1988 ss 36 & 21(1).]

You MUST NOT park in parking spaces reserved for specific users, such as Blue Badge holders or residents, unless entitled to do so.

[Law CSDPA s 21 & RTRA ss 5 & 8.]

DO NOT park your vehicle or trailer on the road where it would endanger, inconvenience or obstruct pedestrians or other road users. For example, do not stop

● near a school entrance

● anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services

● at or near a bus stop or taxi rank

● on the approach to a level crossing

● opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space

● near the brow of a hill or hump bridge

● opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle

● where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane

● where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users

● in front of an entrance to a property

● on a bend.

DO NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement unless signs permit it. Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs, the visually impaired and people with prams or pushchairs.

Controlled Parking Zones. The zone entry signs indicate the times when the waiting restrictions within the zone are in force. Parking may be allowed in some places at other times. Otherwise parking will be within separately signed and marked bays.

Goods vehicles. Vehicles with a maximum laden weight of over 7.5 tonnes (including any trailer) MUST NOT be parked on a verge, pavement or any land situated between carriageways, without police permission. The only exception is when parking is essential for loading and unloading, in which case the vehicle MUST NOT be left unattended.

[Law RTA 1988 s 19.]

Loading and unloading. Do not load or unload where there are yellow markings on the kerb and upright signs advise restrictions are in place. This may be permitted where parking is otherwise restricted. On red routes, specially marked and signed bays indicate where and when loading and unloading is permitted.

[Law RTRA ss 5 & 8.]

Parking at night

You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.

[Laws CUR reg 101 & RVLR reg 24.]

All vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph.

[Law RVLR reg 24.]

Cars, goods vehicles not exceeding 1525kg unladen, invalid carriages and motorcycles may be parked without lights on a road (or lay-by) with a speed limit of 30 mph or less if they are

● at least 10 metres (32 feet) away from any junction, close to the kerb and facing in the direction of the traffic flow

● in a recognised parking place or lay-by.
Otherwise vehicles and trailers, and all vehicles with projecting loads, MUST NOT be left on a road at night without lights.

[Law RVLR reg 24.]

Parking in fog. It is especially dangerous to park on the road in fog. If it is unavoidable, leave your parking lights or sidelights on.

Parking on hills. If you park on a hill you should


● park close to the kerb and apply the handbrake firmly

● select a forward gear and turn your steering wheel away from the kerb when facing uphill

● select reverse gear and turn your steering wheel towards the kerb when facing downhill

● use 'park' if your car has an automatic gearbox.
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