PARKING PROBLEMS
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I was concerned to read Annie Neave's Sound Off comments about problems with parking law enforcement while assisting house and office removals (CM 23-29 Sept).
In London there are a number of concessions that are available for those loading and unloading goods, and extra services are available for those needing to undertake complex removals.
Almost all yellow lines and other parking restrictions allow for 20 minutes loading and unloading even when other parking is banned, so most commercial vehicles should be able to operate without getting parking fines, provided they avoid the areas with loading bans (bus lanes, pedestrian crossings and so on).
Unfortunately for removals firms, house moves usually take more than 20 minutes but where this is the case the haulier can request from the local council a "permission to park waiver". This will allow longer term parking for removals; in some cases councils will allow parking where even stopping is usually banned.
In areas with very high parking demand most councils, for an administrative fee, will also arrange to suspend any parking bays outside the premises in order to ensure there is a space when the removals team arrives. This does require some planning, but few people move house at short notice so they should be able to plan for these services.
If any readers want more information on how to avoid parking fines Wilde working in London call our office and ask for all-en copy of our guide, Loading and Unloading in London on 0171 747 4770. They can also ask for a copy of Understanding Parking Penalties, which gives
information on how to appeal against a ticket if thIngs go wrong. Gary Law, Communications officer, Transport Committee for London.