Loading and unloading and the driver’s responsibility

The loading and unloading exception is often misunderstood in parking appeals. Keep three points in mind.

Where it applies. Only where parking is prohibited: at a “No parking” sign, in front of a driveway or in a pedestrian street. It never applies where stopping is prohibited, such as at a “No stopping” sign, on a pavement, pedestrian crossing, junction, cycle lane or bus lane. See where stopping is prohibited.

What “the shortest possible” means. You cannot do anything other than load, unload, board or alight while the vehicle is stopped. If you run an errand in the meantime, the vehicle is parked — see the definitions.

What counts as loading. The items must have some weight, quantity or size. Collecting a small item is not loading.

Duty of care. The driver is always responsible for ensuring the vehicle is left lawfully. You must check the signs and markings before leaving it.

See the rates overview for the cost of a breach.