Safe Parking
The golden rule is to make sure that others can see you and that you do not park in an isolated place.
Always consider the position of the vehicle on the other side of your intended space.
Think about pulling in your wing mirrors, but remember to pull them out again before driving off.
Put all valuable items out of sight, e.g. in the boot before leaving your vehicle. Lock all doors, windows and the sunroof.
Listen and look around before getting out of your vehicle. Note the location of the street and where you park.
Think about the time you will be returning to your vehicle – a safe place during the day may be very different at night.
Under no circumstances should headlights be left on when the vehicle is parked. If needed consider using side or parking lights.
If possible, choose a location that:
Is visible to other people
Is in an open area, so that you have a good all-round view
Is well-lit
Is not close to bushes or dark corners
Allows you to reverse into your chosen space, so you can drive out more safe
Allows you to park next to a fixed object (where possible or practical) to minimise the risk of damage to your vehicle
When returning to the vehicle:
If you are alone, try to follow a group
Approach the vehicle with your keys in your hand so you can get in quickly if necessary
Check the vehicle as you approach. If there are any signs of it having being tampered with, do not get in
If you have one, keep a personal attack alarm to hand – it’s no good at the bottom of a bag!
Where can I pick up and drop off?
Single or double red lines
Single or double yellow lines
Bus lanes
Parking bays
You cannot pick up or drop off in the following areas:
Areas marked with wide red lines
Zigzag lines (for example, by pedestrian crossings or school crossings)
Taxi ranks
Where there is a 'No stopping' sign
'Bus stop clearways' marked with a wide yellow or red line by the kerb
Bus Lane Rules & Restrictions
If stopping in the bus lane will cause congestion or block the lane, don't pickup or drop-off.
While single and double red lines are acceptable, wide red and yellow lines are not. These currently exist at certain bus stops at Euston Road eastbound (in front of Kings Cross Station) and Bishopsgate northbound (between the junctions with Liverpool Street and Middlesex Street).
Waiting in Restricted Areas
If you are asked to wait at a pick up or drop off, please explain stopping restrictions and suggest a legal and safe place to stop the vehicle.
Do not stop in locations that can cause an obstruction or a safety hazard.
What to do if you receive a PCN (Penalty Charge Notice)?
If you receive a PCN from a borough or from Transport for London, you are entitled to appeal against it. The details of how to make a challenge will be provided on the PCN, and drivers should follow the procedure outlined.
If your initial appeal to the authority is unsuccessful, an appeal can be made to London Tribunals which was formerly known as PATAS (Parking and Traffic Appeals Service). There is no charge for an appeal, and the driver can go to the hearing if desired.