Double Yellow Lines - Grace Period?

[andy-hughes]

I parked on a double yellow to escort an elderly infirm relative into a local restaurant. When U returned less than two minutes later, a Traffic Officer had issued a fixed penalty notice.

When I explained the situation, he advised that the ticket could not be rescinded.

I will appeal the ticket - the restaurant manager has confirmed he will support my evidence in writing if required.

My question is - is there a 'grace' period for circumstances such as this, or is it only at the officer's discretion?

Since the 'between times' indicated on the ticket were identical - 19.13 - it's clear there was not a lot of 'discretion ' being offered!

But is there a point of law about a 'reasonable' time for a car to be seen, before it is booked?

[Buenchico]

Possibly relevant:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/motors/news-motors/16654836/park-double-yellow-longer-think/

[barry1010]

The lines mean no waiting, not no parking.
You can park on double yellow lines to load/unload and to pick up/drop off passengers so you have a good defence and a witness.

If there are also kerb markings, yellow lines painted up the kerb at regular intervals and a sign nearby stating 'no loading/unloading' you cannot stop to drop off passengers during the specified times.

If those kerb markings aren't there, appeal.

I might be worthwhile your relative applying for a blue badge, she doesn't have to drive or own a car.

[douglas9401]

The Highway Code explains that double yellow lines “indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs.”

When it comes to double yellow lines, the best bet is to assume that you can’t park there at any time.

There are some exceptions.

You might be allowed to quickly stop to load or unload heavy goods.
If you’re a Blue Badge carrier, you can usually park on both double and single yellow lines for up to 3 hours, providing you have your badge clearly on display.

These exceptions won't always apply though, so check for local signs or kerb edge markings. If there are pairs of short yellow lines over the kerb edge you're not allowed to load at any time. Even with a Blue Badge you musn't park anywhere where there are loading restrictions.

https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/legal/parking-guide-yellow-lines#double

[Canary42]

I endorse the advice re Blue Badge - My Mum had one although being partially blind she couldn't drive, but I used it when driving her (and only when driving her).

[windywillow]

I too think it's worth trying for a BB for your elderly infirm relative as my elderly uncle was awarded one on such grounds.

He needed to be interviewed but didn't need to travel anywhere, someone came to the care home and had a quick chat with him and me.

I do think it may vary from council to council though, there doesn't appear to be a black-and-white ruling regarding BB criteria, regardless of what it might tell you on the website.

[ToraToraTora]

There is no "grace" period legally, wardens may wait a few minutes if that is their authorities' policy but they don't have to. You can stop to let passengers out but not get out yourself. So I'd say you have no defence here.

[ladybirder]

I have a Blue Badge. It's worth its weight in gold.
Andy if you do what has been suggested above just make sure you never use it if she is not with you, except when you are picking her up and she's not yet in the car. Hope that makes sense.

[andy-hughes]

Thanks all for your posts and advice.

I have appealed the notice on the basis that the 'observation time' and the 'issue time' are incidental, indicating that the officer was not willing to wait the necessary sixty seconds before issuing the notice, by which time my vehicle would have been moved and legally parked.

I appreciate the need to keep the city's roads free, but a car parked for less than one minute on a non-busy road well after rush hour is over, hardly constitutes a major offence, and a little common sense would have avoided the need to waste the council's time considering my appeal.

[THECORBYLOON]

"but a car parked for less than one minute"

"When [I] returned less than two minutes later"

The cracks are already appearing...

[douglas9401]

Far be it for me to defend old Anders but.

One minute is less than two minutes.

[andy-hughes]

A fair point gentlemen, but however many minutes it was, it was still more than the officer gave me, which was none at all!!

[Hopkirk]

You are allowed to drop off passengers, but not park. By your own admission you were parked.

[andy-hughes]

Hopkirk - // You are allowed to drop off passengers, but not park. By your own admission you were parked. //

 

I was, and I left the car in order to escort an eldery relative into the building.

 

Don't get me wrong, I understand that in the letter of the law I am guilty, but i do think a little consideration can, and should be offered in situations like this. It was early evening, outside a restaurant - common sense says I am not going to be parked there for two hours while we eat - more likely is that I am dropping someone off, which I was.

 

I think a little consideration may be in order, and I have appealed to ask for it.

If it's not forthcoming, then I will accept my fine with good grace and pay it within the shorter time scale to get the reduced rate afterwards.

[Unsureme]

Andy,no consideration from Traffic Officer's,I'm afraid. Once they get a Uniform, gives them power,in their eyes.

[Unsureme]

"Officers"

[andy-hughes]

Unsureme - I have no doubt of that.

Fortunately, the appeals process is dealt with by civilian staff at the local council.

Although, since Stoke-on-Trent Council, in common with a few others, is pleading potential bancruptcy, I may not be successful in trying to avoid paying them money.

But, if you don't ask ...

[Unsureme]

Good Luck,anyway.

[Canary42]

Yes, good luck. Keep us posted now you've got us "involved" :-)

[andy-hughes]

Thanks, I will.

[Hopkirk]

... and it's good luck from me too.