Lines on the road
1Single yellow line
No waiting during the times on the small yellow plate nearby. Outside those times you can usually park, unless another sign says otherwise. A plate with no days listed applies every day, Sunday included.
2Double yellow lines
No waiting at any time, all year. There is usually no plate. Loading can still be allowed unless kerb marks or a sign restrict it.
3Red lines (red routes)
Stricter than yellow: they control stopping, not just waiting. Double red means no stopping at any time; single red means no stopping during the times on the sign. Dropping off passengers isn't allowed, except by licensed taxis and, briefly, Blue Badge holders.
Marks and plates
4Yellow marks on the kerb
These are loading restrictions, separate from the lines. Two marks: no loading at any time. One mark: no loading during the times on the white plate.
5Yellow plates vs white plates
Yellow plates give the times for waiting restrictions. White plates give the times for loading restrictions. A plate may not say whether bank holidays are covered, so check the council's rules if it matters.
6Controlled parking zones
Inside a zone, yellow lines usually have no plates. The times are on the zone entry sign you passed. If that sign has no days or times, the restriction applies at all times. Bays inside the zone can have their own, different hours.
Bays
7Pay-and-display and pay-by-phone bays
The sign at the bay gives the hours, maximum stay and how to pay. When the controls aren't in force, parking is usually free unless another sign applies.
8Permit holder bays
Reserved for permit holders, either all the time or during set hours. Outside those hours other drivers may be able to use them, often with a time limit shown on the sign.
9Private car parks
Supermarket, retail and hospital car parks are usually private land. The rules are on the operator's signs at the entrance and around the site, not on road markings, and charges are issued under a different process from council tickets.
Frequently asked questions
Can I park on a single yellow line on Sunday?
Only if the plate's days exclude Sunday. A plate that shows times but no days applies every day, Sunday included.
What do the small yellow marks on the kerb mean?
They are loading restrictions. Two marks mean no loading at any time. One mark means no loading during the times on the white plate nearby.
Why are there no plates on the yellow lines in my area?
You are probably inside a controlled parking zone. The times are on the zone entry sign you passed. If that sign shows no days or times, the restriction applies at all times.
Is a red route the same as a yellow line?
No. Red routes control stopping, not just waiting. Double red lines mean no stopping at any time, and single red lines mean no stopping during the times on the sign.
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