Commercial loading in controlled parking zone

[7db]

We often load our van in controlled parking zones. Provided there are no loading / stopping restrictions, we are allowed to do this for upto 20 mins, as I understand it, provided that we move as soon as loading is complete, and only spend the time for loading and any associated paperwork.

The average traffic warden will stop for about a nanosecond (maybe 2 mins) before issuing a ticket, which is rarely enough time to get an antique armoir down three flights of stairs and onto the street.

Should the ticket stand if we can show, in fact, that we were loading, but that there was no reasonable way for him to know this (ie we were stuck under heavy mahogany, not chucking it in the back of the van?

Area is usually the PDR of London.

[gwp]

Two of our vehicle were ticketed whilst unloading in Central London, 7.5t and a 3.5t. Crew were attending the vehicle and looked on in disbelief as the tickets were put on the vehicle.The warden refused to talk to us, or see reason. It actually happened again on the way out of the event, so two tickets each!!!

We appealed against the tickets in writing and after quite a long time they were oveturned. About 4 weeks later I got a red letter for another parking ticket, seemingly not placed on one of the vehicles.
I wrote back about this one and attached letters from them about the whole issue. took about two months but that was overturned aswell.
We were advised that we should take photo's of the warden, with the vehicles in the picture, they now take pictures to prove our offence, so seems reasonable to take them back to try and prove were innocent (if there is such a thing!).
We now have to cost parking tickets into everyjob we do in London, so sadly at the end of the day, we all end up paying...

gwp

[streaky]

At around 08:10 on many weekdays, I pass along one particular street in London where several commercial vehicles both large and small are pulled up at the kerbside to unload (there being no suitable access to a "back door" for this activity). Three wardens patrol one side of some 1/2 mile of road, merrily ticketing the lorries and vans. And it's not as though the vehicles are causing any obstruction ... that's the preserve of the "bendy-bus"! - Streaky

[7db]

Am I just making up the 20 mins loading rule, or did I read it in the Highway Code?

[gwp]

No, you heard right, 20 minutes loading time or two minutes if spotted by a traffic warden, whichever comes first.

[7db]

I assume the two minutes is facetious....?

[7db]

Just a quick note to say Lambeth have written to say they've cancelled the ticket.

I have now applied to them for costs. (About £50, strangely enough).

[Dwight VanDriver]

Would appear what the exact wording in the Traffic Regulation Order is 7db as to what exemption applies for loading or unloading. Funny place Landan, they may have put a time limit in but I doubt it. If the exemption is there then providing the driver is at all time actually engaged in that activity, not tea breaking, drying coat, chatting up the office junior (of either sex?) then not committing an offence. The action of the Parking Attendants would seem to be as a result from direction from above i.e. no discretion - ticket everything and let the offender prove he is not Guilty.

I like your claim for expenses. How far are you prepared to take it? County Court?

dvd

[7db]

I'm hoping it won't go that far -- have sent them documented details of the out of pocket expenses. Why don't you pop over to the place that Jamesson was suggesting and find out?!