Loading area - no return in 2hrs / ticketed for 12 mins

[NeilPot]

Parked up in a ‘2hrs loading bay’ yesterday, and while we were away from the car for a short time - moving boxes into a 5th floor flat so had to use lifts - the car was ticketed with a stated duration of 12 minutes.

Can we contest the fine on the basis 12 mins was not a reasonable time to empty the car and move all the stuff into a flat via lifts, where the loading bay allows 2hrs?

[DorsetSparky]

NeilPot said:

Parked up in a 2hrs loading bay yesterday, and while we were away from the car for a short time - moving boxes into a 5th floor flat so had to use lifts - the car was ticketed with a stated duration of 12 minutes.

Can we contest the fine on the basis 12 mins was not a reasonable time to empty the car and move all the stuff into a flat via lifts, where the loading bay allows 2hrs?

No, because a loading bay is for goods use/for a goods vehicle. Not for someone moving. If you'd hired a van it'd probably have been OK, but loading bays aren't for car use.

[Riley Blue]

DorsetSparky said:

NeilPot said:

Parked up in a 2hrs loading bay yesterday, and while we were away from the car for a short time - moving boxes into a 5th floor flat so had to use lifts - the car was ticketed with a stated duration of 12 minutes.

Can we contest the fine on the basis 12 mins was not a reasonable time to empty the car and move all the stuff into a flat via lifts, where the loading bay allows 2hrs?

No, because a loading bay is for goods use/for a goods vehicle. Not for someone moving. If you'd hired a van it'd probably have been OK, but loading bays aren't for car use.

Must have 'Goods Vehicles Only' (or similar) if cars are not allowed
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/know-yo...

[paul_c123]

You could contest the fine on the basis that you were loading/unloading. You have 2 hours of it, don't need to mention 12 mins.

[Yellow Lizud]

NeilPot said:

Can we contest the fine on the basis 12 mins was not a reasonable time to empty the car and move all the stuff into a flat via lifts, where the loading bay allows 2hrs?

Unfortunately the clue's in the name. It's a (un)loading bay, not a 'moving stuff into a flat' bay.
You should have unloaded the car, moved the car, and then used the lifts.

A car left unattended in a loading bay for 12 mins is always going to attract attention.
You said "we", so one of you could have guarded the stuff after unloading while the driver found somewhere better to park.

I agree it's a pain in the arse, but that's where we are now.

[paul_c123]

Yellow Lizud said:

Unfortunately the clue's in the name. It's a (un)loading bay, not a 'moving stuff into a flat' bay.
You should have unloaded the car, moved the car, and then used the lifts.

A car left unattended in a loading bay for 12 mins is always going to attract attention.
You said "we", so one of you could have guarded the stuff after unloading while the driver found somewhere better to park.

I agree it's a pain in the arse, but that's where we are now.

Not in the real world

[Milkyway]

LOADING BAY... Shame OP wasn't moving out.
(Just a mere technicality).

Edited by Milkyway on Sunday 26th April 11:55

[slievenashaska]

NeilPot said:

Can we contest the fine

Was it a fine - i.e. it was a council restriction, or was it a 'penalty charge' - i.e. a commercial restriction with a financial charge if you don't comply.

[Panamax]

Compare and contrast the situation outside some town centre railway stations where they put up signs saying,

"Restricted Parking ZONE"

"No loading at any time except in signed bays."

...which presumably means you can't drop off or pick up passengers unless you can find an empty loading bay.


Separately there are bays saying, "Taxis only, no stopping".