Parked on double yellow lines? Know your fight

What this ticket is

Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time. A penalty for parking on them is usually contravention code 01, issued by the council as a civil penalty (a Penalty Charge Notice, not a criminal fine).

The law

The restriction comes from the council’s Traffic Regulation Order made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The lines and any time-plate signs must comply with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (TSRGD) to be enforceable. Enforcement and your right to challenge sit under the Traffic Management Act 2004 (Part 6) and the Civil Enforcement Regulations.

Key facts

• •It is a civil penalty, not a criminal conviction — no points, no court record.
• •You normally get a 50% discount if you pay (or challenge and lose) within 14 days.
• •Loading or unloading goods can be a valid exemption even on double yellows, unless a kerb-blip “no loading” marking is present.
• •If the lines or signs do not meet TSRGD (faded, wrong, missing time-plate), the PCN can fall apart.

Strongest ways to fight it

Common appeal angles to check — every ticket is different. Beat It checks all of these against your actual ticket.

1. 1

   Markings non-compliant

   The yellow lines are faded, incomplete or don’t meet TSRGD — so the restriction may be unenforceable.

2. 2

   Loading / unloading exemption

   You were actively loading or unloading goods, which is often permitted unless “no loading” kerb marks are shown.

3. 3

   Blue Badge / disabled exemption

   A validly displayed Blue Badge can allow limited waiting in some circumstances.

4. 4

   PCN procedural error

   Wrong vehicle details, missing mandatory information, or the notice issued/served outside the rules.

5. 5

   No valid Traffic Regulation Order

   If the council can’t produce a valid, current TRO for that length of road, the restriction may not stand.

6. 6

   Grace period / brief stop

   A momentary stop (e.g. dropping someone off) may not amount to “waiting”.

How to fight it

1. Don’t pay yet — paying usually ends your right to appeal.
2. Photograph the lines, any signs/time-plates, and exactly where you stopped.
3. Note the date, time and how long you were there.
4. Make your formal challenge in writing within the deadline on the notice.
5. Let Beat It assemble the grounds and write the appeal for you.