Civil Enforcement
Offcers Handbook
Version 2

Contents
1  Introduction
03
2  Defnitions
04
3  General exemptions
05
Blue Badge holders
Health Emergency Badge holders
Vehicles always exempt from PCNs
General dispensations and waivers
Local authorities and statutory undertakers
Utilities companies
Loading and unloading
4  General notes
07
Motorcycles
Diplomatic vehicles
Identifcation of heavy goods and commercial vehicles
Overnight parking ban
Footway parking ban
5  Completion and issue of PCNs and collection of supporting evidence
08
Essential information to be recorded by the CEO and shown on the PCN
Other essential information to be shown on the PCN
Recommended information to be recorded by the CEO and shown on the PCN
Other supporting information
Photographic evidence
Contravention codes, descriptions and charge level
Optional suffxes
Footway parking only
Note
6  Contravention codes and descriptions
11
7  Exemptions
52
8  Issuing a PCN where only a minor infringement is occurring
53
9  Explanation of terms
54
10  Feedback
55
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
2

1 Introduction
The Civil Enforcement Offcers (CEO) handbook has been
devised after general consultation with London boroughs to
provide a standard approach to issuing Penalty Charge Notices
(PCNs) across London.
Parking contraventions are dealt with by issuing a Penalty
Charge Notice and, in appropriate circumstances, by clamping
or removing the vehicle to a pound.
The handbook provides guidance which has general relevance
throughout London. It is accepted that there will be local
variations in policy and these will be a matter for each
borough. CEOs will be instructed on how to deal with local
variations.
The handbook is intended as a reference document for use
on-street or in the offce. It describes the contraventions,
their codes and details of information to be recorded in each
case in order to prove that the contravention took place.
Exemptions and when loading or unloading is permitted are
dealt with. Illustrations of the signs and markings needed to
support the issue of a PCN are also given. The handbook refers
to all types of parking restrictions, for example yellow lines,
permit parking, meter parking, free parking places, loading
places, bus stop clearways and doctors’ bays. Some boroughs
may have all or most of these restrictions; others may only
have a few types of restriction.
Comments on the handbook are welcome at any time. If you
have suggestions for changes or improvements, please contact
us via the details at the end of this handbook.
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2 Defnitions
General
Parking place: Any area of highway designated as a parking
place under a parking places order. It may contain one or more
bays or spaces. Where individual bays are marked, the parking
place will end with double white termination markings. Where
individual bays are not marked the parking place will end with
single white termination markings.
Parking space: An area or areas within a parking place
provided for the leaving of a vehicle.
Parking bay: An individual bay within a parking place, which
is provided for the leaving of a vehicle upon payment or
display of a permit or voucher as required.
Loading bay/place: An area of highway designated as a
loading bay/place under a loading bays/places order. It may
contain one or more loading bays or spaces.
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3 General
healthcare workers, which should form part of the CEOs’
training.
exemptions
Vehicles always exempt from PCNs
Blue Badge holders
Fire, police and ambulance vehicles on offcial business.
A vehicle which is military or visiting military forces.
Blue Badges generally permit parking on yellow lines for up to
three hours and allow free parking on meter, ticket machine or
A vehicle which has been told to wait by a police constable in
voucher bays with no time limit. Special bays may be provided
uniform or has to stop in order to avoid an accident.
for Blue Badge holders and these may restrict the length of
stay. On yellow lines or in restricted bays a parking disc must
also be displayed showing the time of arrival of the vehicle.
General dispensations and waivers
In some boroughs, Blue Badge holders may park free of charge
Dispensations are issued by or on behalf of a local authority
and with no time limit in residents’ and/or business permit
to permit a vehicle to park in circumstances where it would
spaces.
not normally be allowed to do so, for example, on yellow
lines for a specifed period and specifed purpose where no
Blue Badges are valid for three years and show the name
alternative parking is reasonably available. If a dispensation
of the holder, serial number, expiry date and the issuing
has been granted, the vehicle concerned should display the
authority. The badge must be displayed on the nearside front
dispensation certifcate clearly on the windscreen and should
windscreen or in a conspicuous position on the vehicle with
be used for the specifed purpose.
the front of the badge facing forward.
The City of London, the Royal borough of Kensington and
Local authorities and statutory
Chelsea, the London borough of Camden (south of Euston
Road) and the City of Westminster operate separate schemes
undertakers
for disabled residents. Blue Badge holders can only park in
designated bays and in paid bays for an extra hour after an
Local authorities and statutory undertakers are permitted to
initial payment has been made.
park any vehicles associated with works being carried out
on the highway within the area required for the works to be
A vehicle displaying a disabled badge will not normally be
carried out. This area will be delineated by cones and/or barriers.
clamped or removed to a car pound, but if the vehicle is
dangerously or obstructively parked, it may be repositioned
nearby.
Utilities companies
Gas, electricity, water utility, communications and cable and
Health Emergency Badge (HEB) holders
signals companies will from time to time need to carry out
(London only)
emergency works on or off the highway. Vehicles carrying out
such emergency works may park in restricted streets as long as
a notice is displayed in the windscreen. If necessary, CEOs may
London Councils Transport and Environment Committee and
ask drivers to move such vehicles to a more suitable location.
the London boroughs operate a parking scheme for doctors
and others involved in primary health care in the capital. The
All vehicles being used for commercial servicing or installation
badge is called the Health Emergency Badge (HEB).
work must park legally.
The badge can only be used when visiting a patient to provide
emergency healthcare, and must be clearly displayed in the
Loading and unloading
rear view mirror with the visiting address.
Loading/unloading or delivering/collecting goods is allowed in
Badge users can park in meter bays and pay and display bays
most places where restrictions apply. However, these activities
without paying. They can also use bays reserved for residents
are not allowed where loading prohibitions apply, for example:
or some other purposes, if necessary, and on yellow lines if no
other spaces exist.
1. Where there are kerb stripes
2. Where there is a temporary ban on loading
The badge does not apply if the vehicle is causing a serious
3. On bus stop clearways or school keep clear markings.
obstruction and cannot be used for routine home visits.
Parking outside hospitals and clinics and parking on doctors,
Loading/unloading is generally restricted as follows:
ambulance or hospital bays is not covered by the HEB scheme.
a. In designated parking places – 20 minutes
When the badge is being used in accordance with the terms
b. On yellow lines – 40 minutes.
and conditions of the scheme, badge holders should not
receive PCNs, be clamped or removed. Local authorities
outside London may have their own similar scheme for
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A vehicle may only remain in place for as long as it takes to
perform the loading or unloading operations, generally defned
as being the movement of goods to or from the vehicle, the
checking of said goods and the completion of any necessary
paperwork. In such a case it should be shown that it was
necessary for the vehicle to be in that place to load or unload.
The purchase of goods is not covered by the exemption, for
example parking in order to go shopping is not covered,
however payment on collection might be.
There is no right to park for the maximum time. In order to
qualify for exemption, vehicles should be parked adjacent
to the premises being serviced, although where this is not
possible, discretion should be given to allow the vehicle to
park in the vicinity of the premises.
Where loading/unloading is allowed, a CEO should observe the
vehicle for a period of time to ascertain whether
loading/unloading is being carried out. If a goods vehicle is
being observed then it is recommended that the observation
time is longer. Each authority will have its own guidelines as
to how long observation periods should be.
If loading or unloading is seen after the PCN is issued, this
should be noted by the CEO in the pocket book.
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4 General notes
Motorcycles
Free parking areas for solo motorcycles, mopeds etc are
Therefore, CEOs should rely on the external display of striped
provided by many authorities in controlled parking zones and
yellow and red or LONG VEHICLE rear markings to identify
other restricted streets. Bays are marked by broken white
contravening vehicles.
edge markings with the words MOTORCYCLES ONLY or SOLO
MOTORCYCLES ONLY on the carriageway. Kerbside plates are not
The ban does not apply to passenger carrying vehicles
necessary and are not normally provided.
designed to carry fewer than 13 passengers (excluding
the driver).
Elsewhere in restricted areas, motorcycles may normally
only park legally in meter, pay and display, voucher bays or
cashless parking bays on payment of the relevant charge.
Footway parking ban
Some authorities allow motorcycles to park free of charge in
Code 62 applies to all vehicles parked on a footway, however
pay and display, voucher and/or residents’ permit bays. CEOs
it is only applicable in London; Code 61 is set out in national
will be instructed on any local variations.
legislation and only applies to vehicles over 7.5 tonnes MGW
parked on a footway.
Motorcycles with sidecars are treated as cars. Motorcycles are
motor vehicles and are thus subject to the ban on parking
Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes MGW are identifed by the external
on footways.
display of striped yellow and red or LONG VEHICLE rear markings.
Diplomatic vehicles
Diplomatic vehicles are identifed by special number plates, for
example:
· 123 X 456
· 789 D 012
CEOs can issue PCNs to diplomatic vehicles, but cannot
arrange for wheel-clamping or removal of vehicles with ‘D’
plates and should not for ‘X’ plates either. If necessary,
vehicles may be repositioned in a safe place.
A small number of diplomatic vehicles display ‘normal’ number
plates where these are personalised. Wheel-clamping or
removal of such vehicles is not permitted.
Identifcation of heavy goods and
commercial vans
Two contraventions - the overnight ban on commercial vehicle
parking (code 55) and the ban on footway parking by heavy
commercial vehicles (code 61) - require CEOs to be able to
identify these vehicles.
Overnight parking ban
The overnight ban applies to commercial vehicles over
5 or 7.5 tonnes (depending on the signage) maximum gross
weight (MGW) and buses. Unfortunately, there is no clear
external identifcation of these vehicles. The MGW is shown on
a plate on the vehicle, but this might be shown only inside
the cab.
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5  Completion and  a. If the CEO attempted to serve the PCN by affxing it to the
vehicle or giving it to the person in charge of the vehicle
but was prevented from doing so by some person.
b. If the CEO had begun to write the PCN but the vehicle was
issue of PCNs
driven away before the PCN could be served.
and collection of  If the CEO is unable to affx the PCN to the vehicle or hand
it to the driver then clear and detailed evidence should be
supporting
recorded. Notes should be kept of the point of the issuing
process at which the vehicle left the scene, as well as all
details of any conversations with the driver, and what
evidence
attempts were made to serve the PCN.
The VRM should be taken from the vehicle number plate, but
if there is any doubt, the number on the tax disc should be
checked. CEOs should be aware of the presence of vehicles on
Most PCNs in London will be issued using a Hand Held
the road with incorrect number plates due to improper spacing
Computer (HHC) but some will continue to be written by hand.
of the numbers and letters.
In both cases, supporting evidence may be collected in a
pocket book.
Other supporting information
Essential information to be recorded by
the CEO and shown on the PCN
The following information should be collected on the HHC or
in the pocket book:
1. Date the notice is served
1.  Whether the PCN was affxed to the windscreen or handed
2. Grounds of issue
to the driver
3. Vehicle registration mark (VRM)
2.  Whether the CEO was prevented from serving the PCN by
4. Date and time of alleged contravention
some person, or the vehicle drove away before the CEO
5. Contravention description and code (optionally with suffxes
could complete the PCN
as appropriate)
3.  Whether the driver was seen and any conversation with
6. Location of alleged contravention (street name).
the driver
4.  Any evidence of loading or unloading activity after the
PCN had been issued
Other essential information to be shown
5.  Expiry time of pay and display ticket or arrival time or
on the PCN
value shown on vouchers
6.  Details of any permit/badge displayed
7.  Adjacent meter reading (duplex parking meters)
1. PCN number
8.  Any evidence of breakdown
2. Name of enforcing authority
9.  Details of any notes in or on the vehicle, including any
3. Penalty charge amount
alleged meter faults
4. Methods of payment
10. Tyre valve positions
5. Payment periods (i.e. statutory payment and discount
11. Pocket book reference (if there is a relevant entry)
periods)
12. Details of suspensions and signage in relation to the
6. Address for payment and correspondence
vehicle
7. How to challenge the PCN.
13. Details of any roadworks likely to affect parking
14. Details of yellow lines (single, double or broken), and
nearest plate (where appropriate)
Recommended information to be recorded  15. Any other information which is likely to be useful.
by the CEO and shown on the PCN
Photographic evidence
1. Vehicle make
2. Tax disc number and expiry date (if available)
Photographs should be taken whenever possible. Whilst they
3. CEO number
are not compulsory, the evidence provided is extremely useful.
4. Detailed location (reference to meter or parking bay
number, house number, lighting column or post number, or
Photographs should be taken of:
nearest road junction as appropriate)
5. Observation times (if applicable).
1. The vehicle parked in contravention
2. The vehicle registration number
On completion, the PCN must be affxed to the vehicle or
3. The dashboard showing the tax disc and any permits,
handed to the person appearing to be in charge of the vehicle.
vouchers or tickets
Generally if this is not done then the PCN is not valid and
4. Any signs or time plates relating to the contravention.
should be cancelled/voided. However a postal PCN can be
issued in two situations:
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Contravention codes, descriptions and charge level
The code descriptions below are taken from version 6.6 of London Councils Standard PCN Codes. These codes are maintained
by London Councils, however the descriptions for higher penalty level contraventions have been incorporated into The Civil
Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (Guidelines on Levels of Charges) (England) Order 2007. If there are differences between
the descriptions in the order and those in the London Councils code list then authorities outside London should use those in the
order. As the order does not apply in London, London local authorities should always use the codes in the list.
(H) = Higher penalty level
(L) = Lower penalty level
01
Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours
(H)
02
Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force
(H)
04
Parked in a meter bay when penalty time is indicated
(L)
05
Parked after the expiry of paid for time
(L)
06
Parked without clearly displaying a valid pay and display ticket or voucher
(L)
07
Parked with payment made to extend the stay beyond the initial time
(L)
08
Parked at an out-of-order meter during controlled hours
(L)
09
Parked displaying multiple pay and display tickets where prohibited
(L)
10
Parked without clearly displaying two (or other specifed number) valid pay and display tickets when required
(L)
11
Parked without payment of the parking charge
(L)
12
Parked in a residents’ or shared use parking place or zone without either clearly displaying a valid permit or
voucher or pay and display ticket issued for that place, or without payment of the parking charge
(H)
14
Parked in an electric vehicles’ charging place during restricted hours without charging
(H)
16
Parked in a permit space or zone without displaying a valid permit
(H)
18
Using a vehicle in a parking place in connection with the sale or offering or exposing for sale of goods when
prohibited
(H)
19
Parked in a residents’ or shared use parking place or zone either displaying an invalid permit or voucher or pay
and display ticket, or after the expiry of paid for time
(L)
20
Parked in part of a loading place marked by a yellow line where waiting is prohibited
(H)
21
Parked wholly or partly in a suspended bay or space
(H)
22
Re-parked in the same parking place or zone within one hour (or other specifed time) of leaving
(L)
23
Parked in a parking place or area not designated for that class of vehicle
(H)
24
Not parked correctly within the markings of a bay or space
(L)
25
Parked in a loading place during restricted hours without loading
(H)
26
Parked in a special enforcement area more than 50cm from the edge of the carriageway and not within a
designated parking place
(H)
27
Parked in a special enforcement area adjacent to a footway, cycle track or verge lowered to meet the level of the
carriageway
(H)
28
Parked in a special enforcement area on part of the carriageway raised to meet the level of a footway, cycle
track or verge
(H)
30
Parked for longer than permitted
(L)
35
Parked in a disc parking place without clearly displaying a valid disc
(L)
40
Parked in a designated disabled person’s parking place without displaying a valid disabled person’s badge in the
prescribed manner
(H)
41
Parked in a parking place designated for diplomatic vehicles
(H)
42
Parked in a parking place designated for police vehicles
(H)
43
Stopped on a cycle docking station parking place
(H)
45
Parked on a taxi rank
(H)
46
Stopped where prohibited (on a red route or clearway)
(H)
47
Parked on a restricted bus stop or bus stand
(H)
48
Parked on a restricted area outside a school, a hospital or a fre, police or ambulance station when prohibited
(H)
49
Parked wholly or partly on a cycle track or lane
(H)
55
A commercial vehicle parked in a restricted street in contravention of the Overnight Waiting Ban
(H)
56
Parked in contravention of a commercial vehicle waiting restriction
(H)
57
Parked in contravention of a bus ban
(H)
61
A heavy commercial vehicle wholly or partly parked on a footway, verge or land between two carriageways
(H)
62
Parked with one or more wheels on or over a footpath or any part of a road other than a carriageway
(H)
63
Parked with engine running where prohibited
(L)
64
Parked in contravention of a notice prohibiting leaving vehicles on a grass verge, garden, lawn or green
maintained by a local authority*
(H)
65
Parked in contravention of a notice prohibiting leaving vehicles on land laid out as a public garden or used for
the purpose of public recreation*
(H)
66
Parked on a verge, central reservation or footway comprised in an urban road ^
(H)
99
Stopped on a pedestrian crossing or a crossing area marked by zigzags
(H)
* For use in Essex only
^ For use in Exeter only
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Optional suffxes
a
temporary traffc order
p
pay and display
b
business bay
q
market traders’ bay
c
buses only
r
residents’ bay
d
doctors’ bay
s
shared use bay
e
car club bay
t
voucher/pay and display ticket used in permit bay
f
free parking bay
u
mobile phone parking
g
motorcycle bay
v
voucher
h
hospital bay
w
wrong parking zone
i
wrong type of voucher
x
incorrect VRM
j
camera enforcement
y
obscured/illegible permit
k
ambulance bay
z
out of date permit
l
loading place
1
electric vehicles bay
m
parking meter
2
goods vehicle loading bays
n
red route
3
bicycle bay
o
Blue Badge holder
4
Virtual permit
Footway parking only (codes 61 and 62)
1
one wheel on footway
2
partly on the footway
4
all wheels on footway
c
on vehicle crossover
g
on grass verge
Note
This handbook has been designed for easy reference. Full explanations of the exemptions are contained in Section 7 of this
handbook.
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6  Contravention
codes and
descriptions
CODE: 01
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits during the
prescribed hours in a restricted street (i.e. on a yellow line).
Extra information to be recorded:
•  Details of yellow lines/stripes on kerbs
•  Details of kerbside plates.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ABCDEFGHIJKLNOPQ
Notes:
Time plates are not required in CPZs except where the times of
restriction differ from the CPZ hours.
Time plates are not required on double yellow lines.
Time plates are not required in pedestrianised streets.
Yellow lines may not be needed in pedestrianised or restricted
streets.
Where a Blue Badge holder is permitted to park on a yellow
line for a specifed period of time and stays for longer than
this period, code 30 should be issued rather than code 01.
Suffxes:
a = temporary traffc order
j  = camera enforcement
o = Blue Badge holder
y = obscured/illegible permit
z = out of date permit
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CODE: 02
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where
waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits or
loads/unloads during prescribed hours in a street where
there are loading/unloading restrictions as well as waiting
restrictions.
Extra information to be recorded:
•  Details of yellow lines/stripes on kerbs
•  Details of kerbside plates.
Loading/unloading allowed:
No
Observation period:
No
Exemptions:
ABCDEFGJLNOP
Suffxes:
a = temporary traffc order
j  = camera enforcement
o = Blue Badge holder
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CODE: 04
Penalty charge level:
Lower
Code description:
Parked in a meter bay when penalty time is indicated.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a meter bay
during controlled hours where the relevant meter displays a
penalty indication.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Amount of penalty time
• Reading on adjoining meter (if a duplex meter).
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKLNOP
Suffxes:
c = buses only
s = shared use bay
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CODE: 05
DISPLAY CLEARLY ON DASHBOARD
EXPIRY TIME
Penalty charge level:
11.30
Lower
DATE
FEE PAID
Code description:
Parked after the expiry of paid for time.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a parking
bay during controlled hours and the purchased time has
expired.
Extra information to be recorded:
•  Expiry time on pay and display ticket
•  Expiry time of mobile phone paid time
•  Exact location of vehicle using mobile phone payment
•  Arrival time and value of voucher(s)
•  Serial number(s) of ticket and voucher(s).
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKLNOP
Suffxes:
c = buses only
p = pay and display bay
s = shared use bay
u = mobile phone parking
v = voucher
1 = electric vehicles bay
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CODE: 06
Penalty charge level:
Lower
Code description:
Parked without clearly displaying a valid pay and display ticket
NO TICKET OR VOUCHER DISPLAYED
or voucher.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a pay and
display bay during controlled hours and a valid voucher or
ticket has not been clearly displayed in the vehicle.
Voucher
Extra information to be recorded:
parking
• Details of any tickets, vouchers or permits displayed.
(1 hour limit)
Loading/unloading allowed:
8 am - 10 pm
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Buy vouchers
Exemptions:
from shops
ADEH1IJKLNOP
displaying logo
Suffxes:
c = buses only
i = wrong type of voucher
p = pay and display
v = voucher
1 = electric vehicles bay
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CODE: 07
Penalty charge level:
Lower
: 05
Code description:
Parked with payment made to extend the stay beyond
initial time.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle remains in a parking
bay beyond the time that was initially purchased by putting
more money into the meter or displaying a further ticket
or voucher.
Extra information to be recorded:
Two observations need to be made:
1 : 05
First observation:
•  Time of observation
•  VRM
•  Any paid for time left to expire
•  Vehicle valve positions.
Second observation (after initial expiry time):
•  VRM and valve positions to match those made on frst
observation
•  Details of extra time purchased
•  Vehicle valve positions.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Not applicable.
Observation period:
None required at second observation.
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKNOP
Notes:
Some authorities have a policy that allows meter feeding up
to the maximum permitted time on the parking bay. If total
parking duration extends beyond the maximum time permitted
then a code 30 PCN should be issued.
Suffxes:
c = buses only
u = mobile phone parking
m = parking meter bay
v = voucher
p = pay and display bay
r = residents’ bay
s = shared use bay
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CODE: 08
Penalty charge level:
Lower
OUT OF ORDER
Code description:
Parked at an out of order meter during controlled hours.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a bay where
an electronic meter displays an out of order message either
with penalty or without unexpired time.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Details of the fault with the meter
• Details of any notes on the vehicle regarding the meter
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKLNOP
Notes:
This contravention only occurs on electronic meters as
opposed to mechanical meters.
Suffxes:
c = buses only
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CODE: 09
DISPLAY CLEARLY ON DASHBOARD
EXPIRY TIME
DISPLAY CLEARLY ON DASHBOARD
11.30
EXPIR
Penalty charge level:
Y TIME
DATE
14.45
Lower
FEE PAID
DATE
FEE P
Code description:
AID
Parked displaying multiple pay and display tickets where
prohibited.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a bay during
controlled hours displaying multiple pay and display tickets.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Details of the pay and display tickets displayed.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKLNOP
Notes:
This contravention only occurs in some London boroughs.
Suffxes:
p = pay and display
s = shared use bay
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CODE: 10
DISPLAY CLEARLY ON DASHBOARD
EXPIR
Penalty charge level:
Y TIME
14.45
Lower
DATE
FEE P
Code description:
AID
Parked without clearly displaying two valid pay and display
tickets when required.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a bay during
controlled hours and fails to display the required number of
valid pay and display tickets.
Extra information to be recorded:
DISPLAY CLEARLY ON DASHBOARD
EXPIRY TIME
• Details of the pay and display tickets displayed.
DISPLAY CLEARLY ON DASHBOARD
11.30
EXPIRY TIME
DATE
Loading/unloading allowed:
14.45
FEE PAID
Yes
DATE
FEE PAID
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKLNOP
Notes:
This contravention only occurs in some London boroughs.
The correct number of required tickets must be specifed on
the PCN – ‘two’ is shown only as an example - and may be
varied to another number or “multiple”.
Suffxes:
p = pay and display
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CODE: 11
Penalty charge level:
Lower
Code description:
Parked without payment of the parking charge.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a bay during
controlled hours and fails to pay the parking charge (usually
by mobile phone).
Extra information to be recorded:
None
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKLNOP
Suffxes:
g = motor cycle bay
u = mobile phone parking
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20

CODE: 12
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in a residents’ or shared use parking place or zone
without either clearly displaying a valid permit or voucher
or pay and display ticket issued for that place, or without
payment of the parking charge.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a residents’
or shared use bay during controlled hours and either fails to
display a permit, pay and display ticket or voucher or fails to
pay the appropriate charge for that parking place.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Details of any pay and display tickets, permits or vouchers
displayed, with reasons why they are invalid for that place.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKLNOP
Notes:
If a previously valid permit has expired then code 19 should
be issued.
For payments that relate to the day of issue, e.g. pay and
display tickets and vouchers which have been validated by a
third party, then code 19 should be used.
For vouchers and scratch cards which have user input, in cases
where the wrong date is flled in or scratched off then code 19
applies.
Suffxes:
r = residents’ bay
s = shared use bay
t = voucher/P&D ticket used in permit bay
u = mobile phone parking
w = wrong parking zone
y = obscured/illegible permit
4 = virtual permit
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21

CODE: 14
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in an electric vehicles’ charging place during restricted
hours without charging.
ELECTRIC
Code contravention:
VEHICLE
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in an electric
vehicles’ charging bay without charging the vehicle.
CHARGING
Extra information to be recorded:
STATION
• Details of whether the vehicle is electric
• Whether there is any attachment to the charge point.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKLNOP
Suffxes:
None
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
22

CODE: 16
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in a permit space or zone without displaying a valid
permit.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a permit
space without displaying a valid parking permit.
Business
Extra information to be recorded:
• Details of any out of date or incorrect permit
permit
• Details of any other permit displayed
holders
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
only
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKLNOP
Notes:
Suffx ‘s’ only for use where bay is completely non-resident. In
shared use bays where residents’ permits are valid, codes 12
and 19 should be used as appropriate.
Suffxes:
b = business bay
d = doctors’ bay
e = car club bay
h = hospital bay
q = market traders’ bay
s = shared use bay
t = voucher/P&D ticket used in permit bay
w = wrong parking zone
x = incorrect VRM
Doctor
y = obscured/illegible permit
z = out of date permit
permit
4 = virtual permit
holders
only
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
23

CODE: 18
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Using a vehicle in a parking place in connection with the sale,
offering or exposing for sale of goods when prohibited.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a parking
place during controlled hours, for the sole use of offering,
selling or advertising the sale of goods.
Extra information to be recorded:
None
Loading/unloading allowed:
No
Observation period:
None required.
Exemptions:
Q
Suffxes:
b = business bay
c = buses only
d = doctors’ bay
e = car club bay
f = free parking bay
h = hospital bay
j = camera enforcement
m = parking meter
p = pay and display
r = residents’ bay
s = shared use
v = voucher bay
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
24

CODE: 19
Penalty charge level:
Lower
Code description:
Parked in a residents’ or shared use parking place or zone
either displaying an invalid permit or voucher or pay and
display ticket - or after the expiry of paid for time.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a residents’
or shared use parking place or zone displaying an invalid
permit voucher or pay and display ticket that would have been
valid for that parking place at some time or after the expiry of
paid for time.
Extra information to be recorded:
•  Details of any out of date or incorrect permit
•  Details of any other permit displayed
•  Details of any pay and display ticket
•  Arrival time and value of voucher(s)
•  Serial number(s) of ticket and voucher(s)
•  Details of the expiry of paid for time
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKLNOP
Notes:
If a previously valid permit has expired then code 19 should
be issued.
For payments that relate to the day of issue, e.g. pay and
display tickets and vouchers which have been validated by a
third party, then code 19 should be used.
For vouchers and scratch cards which have user input, in cases
where the wrong date is flled in or scratched off then code
19 applies.
Suffxes:
i = wrong type of voucher   y = obscured/illegible permit
r = residents’ bay
z = out of date permit
s = shared use bay
4 = virtual permit
u = mobile phone parking
w = wrong parking zone
x = incorrect VRM
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
25

CODE: 20
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in a part of a parking place marked by a yellow line
where waiting is prohibited.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits on a yellow
line in part of a parking place during the controlled hours.
Extra information to be recorded:
None
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKLNOP
Notes:
Blue Badge holders can park on a loading gap, except in the
Royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the London borough
of Camden (south of the Euston Road), the City of London and
the City of Westminster.
Suffxes:
j = camera enforcement
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
26

CODE: 21
Penalty charge level:
NO
Higher
WAITING
LOADING
UNLOADING
Code description:
Parked wholly or partly in a suspended bay or space.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a suspended
parking place or in a suspended part of a parking place.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Description and location of signs displayed
• Details of location of vehicle in relation to suspension.
Loading/unloading allowed:
No
WARNING
Observation period:
None required.
Parking suspended
Exemptions:
DKNP
from
Suffxes:
b = business bay
c = buses only
d = doctors’ bay
e = car club bay
f = free parking bay
g = motor cycle bay
h = hospital bay
j = camera enforcement
l = loading place
m = parking meter
p = pay and display
r = residents’ bay
s = shared use bay
u = mobile phone parking
v = voucher bay
1 = electric vehicles bay
2 = goods vehicle loading bays
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27

CODE: 22
Penalty charge level:
Lower
Code description:
Re-parked in the same parking place or zone within one hour
of leaving.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs either when a vehicle departs from
a parking place and subsequently returns to any bay or space
in the same parking place, or moves to another bay or space
within the same parking place, within the time specifed on
the signs.
Extra information to be recorded:
Two observations need to be made:
First observation:
•  Time of observation
•  VRM
•  Vehicle valve positions.
Second observation (within the specifed period):
•  VRM to match that made on frst observation
•  Valve positions to differ from those made on frst
observation.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKLNP
Notes:
This does not apply to permit holders in permit parking places.
If an amount of time is specifed on the PCN then it must
be correct – ‘one hour’ is used here only as an example and
may be varied to another time period or “the prescribed time
period”.
Suffxes:
c = buses only
s = shared use bay
f = free parking bay
v = voucher bay
j = camera enforcement  p = pay and display
l = loading place
m = meter bay
n = red route
o = Blue Badge holder
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
28

CODE: 23
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in a parking place that is not designated for that class
of vehicle.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle which is not of
the class authorised to wait in the parking place or area is
observed doing so during controlled hours.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Details of the class of vehicle and, where appropriate, size.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ABDEH1IJKLNOP
Notes:
A suffx is required to fully describe the contravention.
Suffxes:
b = business bay
c = buses only
d = doctors’ bay
e = car club bay
f = free parking bay
g = motorcycle bay
h = hospital bay
j = camera enforcement
k = ambulance bay
l = loading place
p = pay and display
r = residents’ bay
s = shared use bay
v = voucher bay
1 = electric vehicles bay
2 = goods vehicle loading bays
3 = bicycle bay
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
29

CODE: 24
Penalty charge level:
Lower
Code description:
Not parked correctly within the markings of the bay or space.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits with part of it
outside the markings of the parking bay or space. At least one
wheel should be wholly outside the parking bay.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Details of the position of the vehicle in relation to the
markings
• A diagram of the parking position. A photograph is
desirable.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKLNOP
Suffxes:
b = business bay
c = buses only
d = doctors’ bay
e = car club bay
f = free parking bay
h = hospital bay
l - loading place
m = parking meter bay
p = pay and display
q = market traders’ bay
r = residents’ bay
s = shared use bay
v = voucher bay
1 = electric vehicles bay
2 = goods vehicles loading bays
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
30

CODE: 25
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in a loading place during restricted hours without
loading.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a parking
place designated as an on-street loading bay during restricted
hours without loading or unloading taking place.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Details of the sign at the location advising of loading
• Details of the vehicle type.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKLNOP
Suffxes:
j = camera enforcement
n = red route
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
31

CODE: 26
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in a special enforcement area more than 50cm from the
edge of a carriageway and not within a designated
parking space.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits more than the
specifed distance from the edge of the carriageway and not
within a designated parking place.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Details of the position of the vehicle in relation to the
markings
• A diagram of the parking position. A photograph is
desirable.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEIJKLNOP
Notes:
Where a vehicle is parked incorrectly within the markings of a
bay or space, but is not more than 50cm from the edge of the
carriageway, code 24 should be used.
The correct distance must be specifed on the PCN – in
England and Wales this is set by the Traffc Management Act
2004 at 50cm.
The edge of the carriageway is not limited to the side of the
carriageway – if there is an edge in front of or behind the
vehicle then that edge must also be more than 50cm away
from the vehicle.
Suffxes:
j = camera enforcement
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
32

CODE: 27
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in a special enforcement area adjacent to a footway,
cycle track or verge lowered to meet the level of the
carriageway.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits on the
carriageway, adjacent to the footway where the footway,
cycle track or verge has been lowered to meet the level of the
carriageway.
Extra information to be recorded:
•  A diagram of the parking position. A photograph is
desirable.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEIJKLNOP
Exemptions also include:
•  A vehicle that is parked wholly within a designated parking
place or any other part of the carriageway where parking is
specifcally authorised
•  A vehicle parked outside a residential premises by or with
the consent of the occupier of the premises (but not in the
case of a shared driveway).
Notes:
Enforcements can only take place where the carriageway has
been lowered for the purpose of:
•  assisting pedestrians across the carriageway
•  assisting cyclists entering and leaving the carriageway
•  assisting vehicles entering and leaving the carriageway
Suffxes:
j = camera enforcement
o = Blue Badge holder
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33

CODE: 28
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in a special enforcement area on part of the
carriageway raised to meet the level of the footway, cycle
track or verge.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits on the
carriageway, adjacent to the footway where the carriageway
has been raised to meet the level of the footway, cycle track
or verge, or the carriageway has been raised to meet the level
of the footway, cycle track or verge.
Extra information to be recorded:
•  A diagram of the parking position. A photograph is
desirable.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEIJKLNOP
Exemptions also include:
•  A vehicle that is parked wholly within a designated parking
place or any other part of the carriageway where parking is
specifcally authorised.
•  A vehicle parked outside a residential premises by or with
the consent of the occupier of the premises. (NOT in the
case of a shared driveway).
Notes:
Enforcements can only take place where the carriageway has
been raised for the purpose of:
•  assisting pedestrians across the carriageway
•  assisting cyclists entering and leaving the carriageway
•  assisting vehicles entering and leaving the carriageway
Suffxes:
j = camera enforcement
o = Blue Badge holder
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
34

CODE: 30
Penalty charge level:
Lower
Code description:
Parked for longer than permitted.
Code contravention:
The contravention covers a number of circumstances in which
a vehicle waits for longer than the permitted period.
Extra information to be recorded:
Two observations need to be made:
First observation:
•  Time of observation
•  VRM
•  Vehicle valve positions.
Second observation (after expiry of permitted time):
•  VRM and valve positions to match those made on frst
observation
•  Amount of time past the maximum period.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Parking
Observation period:
Limited to 2
Yes
hours
Exemptions:
Return
ADEH1JKLNOP
Prohibited
Notes:
within 1 hour
Examples of circumstances in which a code 30 can be issued:
•  A vehicle in a free parking bay that stays for longer than the
maximum permitted time
Mon - Fri
•  A vehicle in a mobile phone payment bay that stays beyond
the expiry of paid for time or for longer than the maximum
8.30 am - 10.30 pm
permitted time.
Suffxes:
f = free parking bay
j = camera enforcement
l = loading palce
m = parking meter
n = red route
o = Blue Badge holder
p = pay and display
u = mobile phone parking
s = shared use bay
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
35

CODE: 35
Penalty charge level:
Lower
Code description:
Parked in a disc parking place without clearly displaying a
NO DISC DISPLAYED
valid disc.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a disc
parking place during controlled hours, without displaying a
valid disc.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Details of any out of date or incorrect disc displayed.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1JKLNOP
Suffxes:
None
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36

CODE: 40
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in a designated disabled person’s parking place
without displaying a valid disabled person’s badge in the
prescribed manner.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits in a disabled
person’s parking place without displaying a valid disabled
person’s parking badge and/or clock.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Details of any out of date or invalid badges
• Details of the Blue Badge clock, if appropriate, including the
time being displayed.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEH1IJKNP
Suffxes:
n = red route
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
37

CODE: 41
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in a parking place designated for diplomatic vehicles.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle which is not a
diplomatic vehicle waits in a parking place marked with a
white cross and signed ‘diplomatic cars only’.
Extra information to be recorded:
None
Loading/unloading allowed:
No
Observation period:
None required.
Exemptions:
DJKNP
Suffxes:
j = camera enforcement
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38

CODE: 42
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in a parking place designated for police vehicles
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle which is not an
offcial police vehicle waits in a parking place marked ‘POLICE’.
Extra information to be recorded:
None
Police
Loading/unloading allowed:
vehicles only
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ADEIJKLNP
Suffxes:
j = camera enforcement
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
39

CODE: 43
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Stopped on a cycle docking station parking place
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits on a
designated cycle docking station parking place for the
purposes of the London Cycle Hire Scheme.
Extra information to be recorded:
None
Loading/unloading allowed:
No
Observation period:
None required
Exemptions:
DJKNP
Suffxes:
j = camera enforcement
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
40

CODE: 45
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked on a taxi rank.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle that it is not a
licensed taxi with a licence plate on the rear waits on a taxi
rank marked ‘TAXIS’.
Extra information to be recorded:
None
Loading/unloading allowed:
No
Observation period:
None required.
Exemptions:
DJKNP
On taxi rank
Suffxes:
n = red route
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
41

CODE: 46
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Stopped where prohibited (on a red route or clearway).
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits during
prescribed hours on the carriageway of a red route or clearway,
indicated by ‘No Stopping’ signs (and red lines on a red route).
Extra information to be recorded:
None
Loading/unloading allowed:
No
Observation period:
None required.
Exemptions:
BCDEFGJKLNOP
Notes:
Rural clearways do not have carriageway markings to support
‘No Stopping’ signs.
Suffxes:
j = camera enforcement
n = red route
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
42

CODE: 47
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Stopped on a restricted bus stop or stand
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle other than a
public service vehicle operating a scheduled service waits
during prescribed hours on a restricted bus stop or bus stop
clearway/red route marked by yellow markings and the words
BUS STOP or BUS STAND.
A bus can only stop in a bus stop for the following reasons
without causing a contravention:
•  for so long as may be necessary to pick up or set down
No stopping
passengers
•  for so long as may be necessary to change drivers
7 am - 7 pm
•  for a maximum of two minutes in order to regulate the
service.
except buses
Extra information to be recorded:
None
Loading/unloading allowed:
No
Observation period:
None required.
Exemptions:
CDEJKNP
Suffxes:
j = camera enforcement
n = red route
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
43

CODE: 48
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Stopped in a restricted area outside a school, a hospital or a
fre, police or ambulance station when prohibited.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits during
prescribed hours on a section of carriageway outside a school,
hospital or fre, police or ambulance station with SCHOOL
KEEP CLEAR, (or HOSPITAL or FIRE, or POLICE or AMBULANCE)
written on the road with accompanying zigzag markings and a
sign describing times of control.
Extra information to be recorded:
None
Loading/unloading allowed:
No
Observation period:
None required.
Exemptions:
DNP
Notes:
Outside of the prescribed times there is no contravention
unless the area is marked with an ordinary yellow line
indicating that a waiting restriction also applies.
Suffxes:
j = camera enforcement
No stopping
on school entrance
markings during
term time
Mon - Fri
8 am - 9.30 am
2.30 pm - 4 pm
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
44

CODE: 49
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked wholly or partly on a cycle track or lane.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits on a cycle track
or lane.
Extra information to be recorded:
None
Loading/unloading allowed:
Only in a cycle lane.
Observation period:
Only in a cycle lane.
Exemptions:
DENP
Notes:
A cycle track is part of a highway for use only by pedal cycles.
A cycle track is not a cycle lane.
A cycle lane is part of the carriageway and is marked by a
white line and cycle logos. Parking in a mandatory cycle lane
is a contravention under code 01 or 02 above.
Parking in an advisory cycle lane (with no yellow lines) is not
a contravention.
Suffxes:
None
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45

CODE: 55
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
A commercial vehicle parked in a restricted street in
contravention of the Overnight Waiting Ban.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a commercial vehicle over the
indicated max gross weight (usually either 5 or 7.5 tonnes
excluding passenger carrying vehicles designed to carry fewer
than 13 passengers) waits in a restricted street during the
prescribed hours.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Details of type and size of vehicle and MGW if shown.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
7 pm - Midnight
Exemptions:
Midnight - 8 am
ACDEGKLNOPQ
Notes:
Whether a vehicle over 5 tonnes or 7.5 tonnes is considered to
be parked in contravention depends upon the local authority
traffc order.
Most London boroughs operate an overnight ban on parking by
commercial vehicles. The ban does not apply to all boroughs
in London or in England and Wales. Boroughs where this does
apply may have exempted streets.
Suffxes:
j = camera enforcement
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
46

CODE: 56
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in contravention of a commercial vehicle waiting
restriction.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a commercial vehicle over
7.5 tonnes maximum gross weight (MGW) (but excluding
passenger carrying vehicles designed to carry fewer than 13
passengers) waits in a street where such parking is restricted
during the prescribed hours.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Details of type and size of vehicle and MGW if shown.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ACDEGKLNOPQ
Notes:
Non-overnight waiting restriction on commercial vehicles.
Suffxes:
None
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47

CODE: 57
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked in contravention of a coach ban.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a coach is parked in a street
where coach parking is restricted during prescribed hours.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Details of type and size of vehicle
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes
Observation period:
Yes
Exemptions:
ACDEGKLNOPQ
Notes:
Non-overnight waiting restriction.
Suffxes:
None
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48

CODE: 61
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
A heavy commercial vehicle wholly or partly parked on a
footway, verge or land in between two carriageways.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a heavy commercial vehicle
waits on any part of the footway. The vehicle must weigh more
than 7.5 tonnes maximum gross weight (MGW).
Extra information to be recorded:
• Number of wheels on the footway
• Diagram or photograph of the parking position.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes, but only if it is essential so as not to cause an
obstruction and cannot be carried out elsewhere.
Observation period:
If essential as described above, then yes.
Exemptions:
DNOP
Notes:
A footway means a way comprised in a road which also
comprises a carriageway, being a way over which the public
have a right of way on foot only.
This contravention applies nationally to vehicles with an
operating weight of more than 7.5 tonnes, as defned in
Section 20 of the Road Traffc Act 1988.
Suffxes:
General:
j = camera enforcement
Code specifc:
1 = one wheel on footway
2 = partly on footway
4 = all wheels on footway
5 = on vehicle crossover
6 = on grass verge
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49

CODE: 62
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Parked with one or more wheels on or over a footpath or any
part of the road other than a carriageway.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits on any part of
a footpath or footway.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Number of wheels on the footway
• Diagram or photograph of the parking position.
Loading/unloading allowed:
Yes, but only if it is essential so as not to cause an
obstruction and cannot be carried out elsewhere.
Observation period:
If essential as described above, then yes.
Exemptions:
DNOP
Notes:
A footway means a way comprised in a road which also
comprises a carriageway, being a way over which the public
have a right of way on foot only.
A footpath means a highway over which the public have the
right of way on foot only, not being a footway.
Footway parking is allowed where signs and markings offcially
authorise them.
Suffxes:
General:
j = camera enforcement
Code specifc:
1 = one wheel on footway
2 = partly on footway
4 = all wheels on footway
c = on vehicle crossover
g = on grass verge
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50

CODE: 63
Penalty charge level:
Lower
Code description:
Parked with engine running where prohibited.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle, usually a coach, is
parked with its engine running where prohibited.
Extra information to be recorded:
None
Loading/unloading allowed:
Not applicable
Observation period:
Not applicable
Exemptions:
ACDEFIKLNOP
Suffxes:
c = buses only
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51

CODE: 99
Penalty charge level:
Higher
Code description:
Stopped on a pedestrian crossing or crossing marked by zig
zags.
Code contravention:
The contravention occurs when a vehicle waits on a pedestrian
crossing marked by zig zags.
Extra information to be recorded:
• Diagram or photograph of the parking position.
Loading/unloading allowed:
No
Observation period:
None
Exemptions:
DNP
Suffxes:
j = camera enforcement
o = Blue Badge holder
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7 Exemptions
A.  Setting down and/or picking up of passengers, or to load
or unload any personal luggage
B.  A solo motorcycle or moped in a designated area
C.  Public service vehicles operating a Transport for London
Bus Service (as defned by the Greater London Authority
Act 1999), waiting at an authorised stopping place,
terminal or turning point
D.  Vehicles when used for fre brigade, ambulance or police
purposes but not for convenience parking
E.  A vehicle on the service of the local authority providing
that it is being used in the exercise of a statutory power
or duty of that, and it is necessary for the vehicle to wait
in that location
F.  Licensed taxis waiting on an authorised taxi rank
G.  A vehicle taking in petrol, oil, water or air at the kerbside
e.g. a roadside garage
H.  1.  A vehicle displaying a disabled person’s badge
2.  A vehicle displaying a disabled person’s badge and
clock
I.  A vehicle used for removal of furniture to or from
adjacent premises
J.  A vehicle is prevented from moving by circumstances
beyond the driver’s control
K.  A vehicle involved in the removal of any obstruction to
traffc
L.  A vehicle which is being used for loading/unloading,
delivering/collecting of postal packets to or from a postal
box or premises
N.  A vehicle which is used by or in the services of military or
visiting military forces
O.  A vehicle waiting while a gate or barrier is opened/closed
to allow access or departure to/from premises
P.  A vehicle which has been told to wait by a police
constable in uniform or has to stop in order to avoid an
accident
Q.  A stationary vehicle selling goods from a pitch on a
restricted street whilst holding a licence from the council
to do so.
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53

8 Issuing a PCN
where only a
minor
infringement is
occurring
There are certain circumstances where a contravention is
technically occurring but is suffciently minor not to warrant
a PCN being issued. The following is a list of some of the
situations in which consideration should be made as to
whether or not to issue a PCN.
a) Vehicle overhang
A CEO should only issue a PCN if the vehicle is parked
incorrectly to the extent that at least one wheel is wholly in
contravention, for example a wheel being wholly outside the
parking bay or wholly on a yellow line. If all of the wheels
are within the confnes of the bay but the vehicle is large
and overhangs the bay to such an extent that it causes an
obstruction equal to a normally-sized vehicle with one wheel
wholly in contravention, then a PCN can also be issued. CEOs
must use their judgement on this, and record any evidence
(especially photographic) that proves the contravention.
b) Time restrictions/paid parking
Where a time restriction applies, CEOs should not issue a PCN
less than two minutes before a restriction starts or less than
two minutes after the restriction has expired. For example, if
a restriction starts (or paid-for time expires) at 8.00am then
a PCN should only be issued if the vehicle is in contravention
after 8.02am. Similarly, if a restriction ends at 6.00pm then
no PCNs should be issued after 5.58pm. It should be stressed
that a vehicle in such a situation does not have the right to
be in place for two minutes – this is not a grace period.
c) Wheels on footway
Similar to the vehicle overhang case in a) above, if a vehicle
is parked with at least one wheel situated wholly on the
kerb/footway, then a PCN should be issued. Evidence
(especially photographic) proving the contravention should be
recorded.
d) Distance from the kerb
Contravention code 26 refers to a vehicle being more than
50cm from the edge of the carriageway. Although this
provision was originally introduced to combat double parking,
a vehicle parked a signifcant distance from the kerb so that it
could be considered to be causing an obstruction should also
receive a PCN. Evidence (especially photographic) proving the
contravention should be recorded.
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9  Explanation of
terms
Grace period:
This is an unoffcial period of time where a vehicle committing
a contravention will not receive a PCN. This should not be
confused with an observation period.
Observation period:
An observation period is an amount of time during which a
vehicle is monitored to ensure that it is complying with the
appropriate restrictions. Observation periods are split into two
types; casual and constant.
•  Casual observation takes place when a CEO notes the times
when a vehicle has been observed but does not specifcally
monitor the vehicle.
•  Constant observation takes place when a CEO remains at
the location and monitors the vehicle for a specifed period
to establish whether a contravention is occurring.
Discretion:
If a vehicle is parked in contravention, but there would appear
to be mitigating circumstances for the vehicle being at that
location, a CEO could afford discretion in issuing a PCN if they
believe it applicable.
Exemption:
If a vehicle is parked at a location where an exemption
previously outlined applies and the CEO is satisfed that the
criteria for an exemption is being fulflled then they should
not issue a PCN.
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
55

10 Feedback
If you have any suggestions for improving the handbook
please sent your comments to:
London Councils
Transport and Mobility Services
591/2 Southwark Street
London SE1 0AL
xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
www.londoncouncils.gov.uk
020 7934 9999
The Civil Enforcement Handbook
56

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