ADUK Archive

What is the exact definition of "No Waiting", and where is the official source of this definition?

For example, is it permissible to stop to check a map, take a phone call, load/unload, or go to the toilet? Does the car need to be attended by the driver at all times, or is it permissible for the driver to leave the car for a time, e.g. to get the passengers or carry a load? If so, what time is allowable?

Are you referring to a scenario in which this sign is present?



If so, Know Your Traffic Signs states that "Drivers may stop to pick up or set down passengers and, where not prohibited, to load and unload."

Might be worth a look to see if there is more specific definition in TSRGD.

Yes, that is the sign I mean.

Just looked at TSRGD. It is quite specific about how the sign should be placed, but doesn't go into any detail (that I can see) regarding what the sign means for the road user.

5star wrote:What is the exact definition of "No Waiting", and where is the official source of this definition?

You may stop for as long as is necessary (but no longer) to allow a passenger to board or alight, or to load or unload goods from the vehicle (such loading must be continuous).

For example, is it permissible to stop to check a map, take a phone call,
or go to the toilet?

No

load/unload,

Yes, unless there is also a loading restriction.

Does the car need to be attended by the driver at all times,

No

or is it permissible for the driver to leave the car for a time, e.g. to get the passengers or carry a load?

Yes

If so, what time is allowable?

As much time is necessary, but no longer.

The police used to allow a 5 minute observation time to ascertain if someone what coming and going to a vehicle, council enforcers have different policies, but anything between 2 and 5 mins are typical.

If you need longer and get a ticket, then if you can convince an adjudicator that the extra time was necessary they will quash the ticket.

The legal definition of a parked vehicle is one which isn't in use. So, if it's being loaded or unloaded (and that includes loading and unloading of passengers), it's considered to be "in use", and therefore not parked. That's why you can stop at a "no parking" sign and drop off a passenger, or deliver goods.

On one occasion, in the 60s I think, someone argued that, as he was sitting in his car in a "no parking" area, it was in use as he was using it to sit in. An amendment to the parking rules was hastily made up, and it was called "waiting". So now, the full meaning of the "no parking" sign is "no parking or waiting".

BigWheeler wrote: So now, the full meaning of the "no parking" sign is "no parking or waiting".

It's just no waiting. The statute makes no mention of parking. (See TSRGD Diagram 639).