Double yellow lines are typically found in areas where parking could pose a risk or cause congestion, such as town centres or narrow streets. Although waiting is prohibited on double yellow lines, there are two exceptions that allow drivers to park or briefly stop on these lines.
However, it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle isn’t causing an obstruction and to check for any additional signs indicating restrictions. Some areas also have their own rules around parking. For example, in Bristol city centre, most streets have additional parking restrictions in place due to heavy traffic, so always check before you set out.
The first exception applies to blue badge holders. Bristol City Council have a list of places where those with a blue badge can park, and this includes: “on a single or double yellow line for up to three hours”. Bristol also allows blue badge holders to park “all day in any on-street pay and display parking bay in the city of Bristol, free of charge” and “all day in any on-street limited waiting bay in the city of Bristol”, giving them a variety of parking options.
The government further advises: “You must display the Blue Badge and the blue parking clock showing the quarter hour period during which you arrived. You must wait for at least one hour after a previous period of parking before you can park the same vehicle in the same road or part of a road on the same day.”
Another exception to the rule is for loading and unloading. Generally speaking, you can stop on double yellow lines for a brief period if you’re actively loading or unloading your vehicle and there isn’t an alternative stopping place nearby.
The British Parking Association (BPA) clarifies: “Single and double yellow lines control waiting. Even where waiting is prohibited, if you can do so safely you may set down and pick up passengers and may also stop to load or unload goods unless this is prohibited by short yellow kerb marks or ‘blips’.”
These ‘blips,’ small horizontal double yellow lines on the kerb, are a clear indication not to stop for any loading or unloading activities. Also, always keep an eye out for any additional street signs that might enforce restrictions, such as designated loading times or time limits for stops.
If your situation meets the above exceptions, remember to ensure your vehicle does not cause obstruction or danger on the road; failing to do so could still result in receiving a penalty charge notice (PCN).