Traffic Signs Manual/Chapter 3/2008/12

12CONTROLLED PARKING ZONES

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GENERAL

663 Entrance to a controlled parking zone

"Controlled" may be varied to "Meter", "Disc", "Ticket", "Disc and Meter", "Ticket and Meter" or "Pay and Display". The name of the zone or a zone identifier may be added. The name of the traffic authority may be added. The legend "No Loading" may be added below the no waiting roundel. The time period may be varied. The lower panel of the sign shall be omitted where, and only where, the restrictions apply at all times

663.1 Entrance to a voucher parking zone

The voucher parking symbol is to be varied to correspond with the voucher design within the size shown. The name of the zone or a zone identifier may be added. The name of the traffic authority may be added. "Voucher parking" may be varied to "Voucher parking and Meter" or "Voucher parking and Ticket". The legend "No Loading" may be added below the no waiting roundel. The time periods may be varied or omitted

12.1 There are two types of controlled parking zone (CPZ); these are defined in regulation 4 as follows:

"controlled parking zone" means either—

(a) an area—

(i) in which, except where parking places have been provided, every road has been marked with one or more of the road markings shown in diagrams 1017, 1018.1, 1019 and 1020.1; and

(ii) into which each entrance for vehicular traffic has been indicated by the sign shown in diagram 663 or 663.1; or

(b) an area—

(i) in which at least one of the signs shown in diagram 640.2A has been placed on each side of every road; and

(ii) into which each entrance for vehicular traffic has been indicated by the sign shown in diagram 665.

The first type of CPZ, defined in (a), is an area comprising a prohibition of waiting by all vehicles.

It may include designated parking places. The second type of CPZ, as defined in (b), is an area in which there is a prohibition of waiting by commercial vehicles (goods vehicles and buses), usually overnight. It does not have any road markings associated with it.

12.2 Both types of CPZ have zone entry signs which show the times that waiting is prohibited (but see para 12.7). For a type (a) CPZ, these times may be the same as the operational period of the on-street parking places within the zone. This is always the case for voucher parking zones and other CPZs where the type of parking is indicated on the entry sign (see para 12.5). Signing within a type (a) CPZ will generally be in accordance with section 6 for waiting and loading prohibitions and section 7 for parking places. However, where waiting restrictions operate only during the times shown on the entry sign, upright signs to indicate these times within the zone are not normally required (direction 25(2)); this is one of the reasons for introducing a CPZ (see para 12.8 for a detailed appraisal of the advantages and disadvantages). It is possible that within a type (a) CPZ there will be some lengths of road that have a prohibition of waiting at different times from those shown on the entry sign, in which case upright signs must be provided unless the prohibition is "no waiting at any time" (see para 6.6). It is strongly recommended that where the zone does not operate at all times, waiting restrictions indicated by single yellow lines should not be more onerous than those shown on the entry signs, especially near entry points to the zone, as this might be confusing to drivers who are not expecting any restrictions (other than double yellow lines) to apply outside the control times of the zone. Where there is a prohibition of stopping on entrance markings within the zone, it might be necessary to sign the waiting restrictions also (see para 9.17).

12.3 Where loading is prohibited within a type (a) CPZ, this may be indicated on the entry sign (see para 12.7), but only if the times are the same as those for the prohibition of waiting. If the loading prohibition operates at different times, it must be signed within the zone. Where an area has roads that are predominantly "no waiting at any time" and loading is not prohibited at all times, there may be little advantage in designating the area as a CPZ and providing zone entry signs (see para 12.8).

12.4 All designated parking places and loading bays within a type (a) CPZ, other than parking meter bays, need to be signed in accordance with section 7 (see para 12.23 for disc or ticket parking). The times of operation, where not continuous, are always shown on the sign, even where they are the same as those shown on the zone entry sign. To omit times from the sign indicates that a parking place or loading bay operates at all times. Where the parking bays operate for a shorter period than the CPZ (e.g. the CPZ operates from 8am to 6pm, and the parking bays from 10am to 4pm), a sign to diagram 639.1B should be used (see paras 7.30 to 7.32). This is because the waiting restrictions are different from those shown on the entry sign, i.e. they do not apply when the parking bay is operational. The sign also ensures that drivers are aware of all the restrictions.

12.5 The entry sign for a type (a) CPZ is to diagram 663, except for a voucher parking zone where the appropriate sign is to diagram 663.1 (see paras 7.24 to 7.26 for details of voucher parking schemes). The legend at the top of the sign to diagram 663 can be varied to indicate the type of parking within the zone. In most cases this will be "Controlled ZONE", as it covers all types of parking other than disc and ticket parking. It is also used for those zones that have no on—street parking places. Where on—street parking is of the same type throughout the zone, whether or not permit parking is also provided, and where the operational time of the parking places is the same as the times shown on the entry sign (see para 12.2), the legend on the sign may be one of the following:

(i) Meter ZONE (where parking meters are used)

(ii) Pay and Display ZONE (on—street ticket machines)

(iii) Ticket ZONE (purchase of ticket other than from an on—street machine)

(iv) Disc ZONE (limited waiting requiring the display of a parking disc to indicate the time of arrival).

662 Parking place within a disc or ticket zone

May be used only in conjunction with the marking to diagram 7028.4, 7032 or 7033, in each case when no legend appears. An arrow may be added pointing to the left or to the right. The time periods may be varied. The name of the traffic authority may be added. "Disc" may be varied to "Ticket"

Additionally, "Disc and Meter ZONE" and "Ticket and Meter ZONE" may be used as appropriate. If the CPZ includes disc or ticket parking, the upright signs within the zone indicating the parking places will be to diagram 662. As this sign includes the legend "Disc Zone" or "Ticket Zone", the entry sign must show "Disc ZONE", "Ticket ZONE", "Disc and Meter ZONE" or "Ticket and Meter ZONE". It is therefore not appropriate to mix disc or ticket parking with any other type of parking that is available to non—permit holders (e.g. pay and display). A zone signed with any of the permitted legends may include parking for permit holders and for disabled badge holders.

12.6 The legend at the top of the voucher parking zone sign may be varied to either "Voucher parking and Meter ZONE" or "Voucher parking and Ticket ZONE". This zone may also include parking for permit holders and disabled badge holders, although not indicated on the entry sign.

12.7 The legend "No loading" is added below the roundel on the signs to diagrams 663 and 663.1 where there is a prohibition of loading within the zone that applies at the same times as the prohibition of waiting (see para 12.3). Where the zone operates at all times, the lower panel of the sign to diagram 663 is omitted (whether or not "No loading" is indicated in the upper panel of the sign). The lower panel of the sign to diagram 663.1 is not omitted, as it needs to show the maximum period that parking is allowed in one visit. The operational period shown on either sign may not be varied to ”At any time” as this is not permitted by the Regulations.

12.8 It is not essential for a type (a) CPZ, other than a disc or ticket zone, to be introduced where parking controls are required. Each road can be signed in accordance with sections 6 and 7 without the need to provide zone entry signs. The advantages of a zone might be:

(i) a simplified traffic order

(ii) some reduction in environmental intrusion by removal of upright "no waiting" signs and posts within the zone (see para 12.2), but at the expense of providing large zone entry signs

(iii) an indication to drivers that all road space is controlled

(iv) an indication to drivers of the type of parking available (e.g. pay and display).

However, there are also significant disadvantages. Research has shown that it is unrealistic to expect drivers to remember the times of operation of the zone when they come to park a considerable distance after passing a zone entry sign. The area of the zone should therefore be restricted to, for example, a town centre shopping area. A zone covering a whole town, or suburb of a conurbation, would be much too large (see para 12.13). Drivers are likely also to have difficulty where zones have complex operational times, e.g. different times on different days of the week, or where they are adjacent to other zones that have different operational times. In all the above cases, consideration should be given to replacing the zone with conventional signing as described in section 6, dividing the zone into several smaller ones or reducing the size of the zone and signing other roads individually.

12.9 As the times shown on the entry signs generally coincide with those applying to parking places as well as to the yellow line waiting restrictions, drivers might take signs at on—street parking places as a reminder of the times when waiting is prohibited. This would be confusing where parking places operate at different times (e.g. 24-hour permit parking in a zone that does not operate for 24 hours). In such cases, conventional signing might be preferable to the introduction of a zone.

12.10 Where there are breaks in a run of parking bays to allow for vehicle crossovers at private accesses, the Regulations require that these gaps be marked with a yellow line (see para 12.1). This must be reflected in the order, as a yellow line cannot be placed within a designated parking place (i.e. the vehicle crossovers must be specifically excluded from the parking place defined in the order). A yellow line at a vehicle crossover would prevent the owner of a property from parking there when the waiting restriction is in force. If this is a problem, a possible solution might be to extend the bay across the access, which should be included in the order as part of the designated parking place, but provide the advisory "keep clear" marking to diagram 1026.1 to discourage inconsiderate parking (see para 7.52). Where the road is a cul—de—sac and all parking is for permit holders only, the signing described in para 7.15 might be appropriate, but this will require authorisation from the Department (see para 2.11).

In this case there would be no road markings within the road concerned, but as it would be designated as a parking place for permit holders, it would still meet the requirements of a type (a) CPZ as defined by the Regulations (see para 12.1).

12.11 Where a length of road within a type (a) CPZ has both a prohibition of waiting that would normally be indicated by a single yellow line without upright signs (see para 12.2) and a prohibition of waiting by commercial vehicles indicated by the sign to diagram 640.2A (see paras 6.18 to 6.20 and 12.15 to 12.18), drivers might associate the sign with the road marking. As the two restrictions are likely to apply at different times, it is recommended that signs to diagram 639 or 640, co–located with each sign to diagram 640.2A, are provided to supplement the yellow line.

12.12 The end of a type (a) CPZ is indicated by the sign to diagram 664. Where one zone ends and another commences, the zone end sign is replaced by the zone entry sign for the second zone. Where a road forms the boundary between two zones, it should be within one or the other zone, or excluded from both; one side of the road should not be within one zone and the other side within the other zone, as this would result in signing that is likely to be confusing to drivers.

664 End of a controlled zone indicated by a sign to diagram 663 or 663.1

12.13 The extent of a type (a) CPZ will be determined by specific characteristics. For example, the zone could be an area where a specific parking permit is valid (see paras 7.10 to 7.15). An appropriate zone identifier may be added to the entry sign as shown on drawing P 663. The zone might be an area where the type of parking, such as pay and display (possibly with uniform charges), is the same throughout. Where the parking is time—limited with no charge (see paras 7.8 and 7.9), the prohibition on return to the parking place might be applied to the whole zone. This would be appropriate only for small zones, as it would be unreasonable to expect drivers not to return to any part of a large area; enforcement would also be difficult. The signs located at the parking bays in this type of zone would include the legend "No return to Zone A within 2 hours" (or similar), and would be based on the sign to diagram 661.1 (see para 7.8) or, if it is a disc zone, the sign to diagram 662. Such signs would require authorisation from the Department (see para 2.1) as they are not prescribed by the Regulations in this format. Again the zone identifier would be shown on the entry sign and would also apply to any permit parking within the zone. In an area with a mix of different types of parking, a zone could represent a small geographical area, the name of which may be added to the entry sign as shown on working drawing P 663 (see para 1.9).

12.14 A type (a) CPZ may be introduced to control parking within the vicinity of a sports stadium or similar facility (see para 7.41). This might be an independent zone that operates only when an event is taking place; on other days there are no zonal controls. An existing zone that operates throughout the year could have additional controls on event days; this makes the zone entry sign very complicated and should be avoided where possible. In such circumstances, all yellow line waiting restrictions within the zone should have upright signs showing times when waiting is prohibited, both on event days and on non—event days. Signs indicating parking controls on event days are not prescribed and require authorisation from the Department (see para 2.1). Additional signs should normally be provided on the approach to the zone, indicating the date of the next event, where it is not possible to include this information on the zone entry sign. These signs also require authorisation.

PROHIBITION OF WAITING BY GOODS VEHICLES AND BUSES

12.15 The sign shown in diagram 665 indicates the boundary of a type (b) CPZ (see para 12.1). The times shown on the sign usually indicate an overnight period. The sign can therefore be simplified if the prohibition applies at the same times on every day of the week, e.g. 7pm —8am, without the need to refer to midnight. As this type of zone can be used only to prohibit waiting by large vehicles, the entry signs (and those within the zone) cannot be varied to include a prohibition of loading.

665 Entrance to a goods vehicle parking zone

The time period may be varied. "5 T” may be varied to ”7.5 T”. The bus symbol shown in diagram 952 may be added below or substituted for the lorry symbol

666 End of a goods vehicle parking zone

"5 T” may be varied to ” 7.5 T”. The bus symbol shown in diagram 952 may be added below or substituted for the lorry symbol'

12.16 A type (b) CPZ can apply to goods vehicles, buses or both as indicated by the appropriate symbols on the signs. The lorry symbol may show a maximum gross weight of either 5 tonnes or 7.5 tonnes; any other weight would require authorisation from the Department (see para 2.1).

12.17 Signs to diagram 640.2A are provided within the zone (see paras 6.18 to 6.20). There should be at least one sign on each side of every road (see para 12.1). Road markings are not used. Where there are other waiting restrictions indicated by the marking to diagram 1017 (single yellow line) within the zone, it is recommended that the upright signs for these are co—located with the sign to diagram 640.2A to avoid driver confusion (see also para 12.11).

12.18 The exit from the zone is indicated by the sign shown in diagram 666. The symbols shown in the lower panel must be the same as those shown on the entry sign.

SIGN DESIGN, SIZE AND SITING

12.19 The detailed design of zone entry and exit signs for both types of CPZ is set out on the appropriate working drawings (see para 1.9). Note that the panel divider is always the same width as the sign border. The voucher symbol on the entry sign to diagram 663.1 must be the same as that shown on the signs to diagram 660.5 within the zone, and correspond to the design shown on the vouchers themselves (see para 7.25). The symbol must be within the size shown in diagram 663.1. The design of the sign shown in diagram 662, including permitted variants, is detailed on working drawing P 662 (see para 1.9). This is similar to the sign shown in diagram 661.1 (see para 7.8) with the additional legend ”Disc Zone”.

12.20 There are two sizes of entry and exit signs. The smaller size would normally be used where the zone boundary is in a side road at a junction or on a minor through—route with low traffic speeds. The larger size entry sign is appropriate where the zone boundary is on a main road with a speed limit of 30 mph or more. It might also be used where there is a need to give drivers more time to assimilate the information, e.g. where the time period shown is complex (although this should be avoided wherever possible).

12.21 Zone entry signs for both types of CPZ, facing approaching traffic, must be placed on each side of the road or on each side of the appropriate carriageway of a dual carriageway road at every entry point. If the road is a side road at a junction and is less than 5 m wide, one zone entry sign might be sufficient (see direction 8 and para 1.19). The boundary of a zone, particularly on a main through road, should be carefully chosen so that the entry sign is not in conflict with other traffic signs, traffic signals, pedestrian crossings etc. which demand a driver's attention. Locations where the zone entry signs are likely to be obscured by large vehicles (e.g. delivery vans, or buses at bus stops) should be avoided. The zone end sign, when placed on a two—way road, will normally be mounted back to back with the entry sign.

12.22 The choice of x—height, the siting of signs and the provision of road markings for waiting and loading restrictions within a type (a) CPZ should be in accordance with section 6. Signs indicating a prohibition of waiting or a prohibition of loading may be omitted where these prohibitions operate at the same times as shown on the zone entry sign (see para 12.2). The choice of x—height for the sign to diagram 640.2A within a type (b) CPZ should also be in accordance with section 6 (see para 6.33).

12.23 The choice of x—height, the siting of signs and the provision of road markings for parking places within a type (a) CPZ should be in accordance with section 7. For disc or ticket zones, the sign to diagram 662 is used in a similar manner to the sign shown in diagram 661.1 (see para 7.8), except that it cannot be used to indicate a parking place for a particular class of vehicle such as a bus. The bay marking used with diagram 662 is diagram 1028.4, 1032 or 1033, in each case without any legend.

This work has been mirrored or sourced from material provided on the UK Government website at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-signs-manual, which states material is available under the terms of the Open Government License unless indicated otherwise. (Crown copyright acknowledged.)

This is NOT an official transcription, and should NOT be considered in any way a controlled copy of the work in question.

This document no longer necessarily represents current practice, as it relates to an earlier version of the regulations (TSGRD 2002 as amended at publication date) rather than the current TSRGD 2016 regulations. It should not be used for actual design or operational use without consulting a more recent edition.

This version was transcribed in May 2015, from a 2008 impression.