Legal definition of parking?

[slimsadie]

I have just received a fixed penalty fine and points for 'parking in a dangerous position'. I have asked to go to court to contest it as in my eyes I wasn't parked, and had no intention of doing so. Also, the 'dangerous position' part is because the officer said (firstly) that I was on, then changed it saying that I was alongside the yellow keep clear zigzags. I am 99% sure I stopped short of them but have no proof as the officer told me to follow him to another road before telling me what the problem was. I know I'm stuffed on proving my car's position now, but does anyone know the legal definition of 'parking' please?
To paint the picture.....I pulled over at an unobtrusive part of the road, not crossing any lines as far as i'm aware, engine running, still in driving seat with seatbelt on, for enough time for my daughter to open the car door, step out and close the door again - between 5 - 10 seconds. A police car pulled alongside me and asked me to follow him to another road which probably held me there for another 5 - 10 seconds. I genuinely didn't think this classed as parking or I wouldn't have done it, especially with a police car behind me! More annoyingly, we had both had to manouvere around a different vehicle a few yards back, that was double parked in the middle of the road and had been causing an obstruction for as long as it had been in view - yet he did nothing! I am confused - can anyone shed any light on what the legal definition of parking is please or whether I have a leg to stand on? Also, does anyone have a rough idea of how much I'm likely to have to pay if I get lumped with court costs too?

[sigma]

Just found this, quote Parking "Standing or halting of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when standing or halting temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading of material or passengers."
So,it looks like you could argue your case.

google...."define parking"

[Panic Button]

It is not a question of actually parking up, although that may be the official charge on your penalty ticket.

See the following fromThe Highway Code.

http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/signs09.htm

Scroll down to yellow zig zags.

You will see that it says 'Keep entrance clear of stationary vehicles, even if picking up or setting down children'

[laurence2]

so was you doing the school run ie drop off by any chance?

[Panic Button]

I've fallen for another wind up haven't I?

Well done Slim Shady

[NORMANTHEDOG]

another one bites the dust,panic

[Ethel]

:(