NI loading bay / commercial vehicle defence — Article 80 RTRO(NI)
Loading and unloading concessions in NI mirror but do not exactly replicate the English position. The NI Highway Code and DfI guidance permit loading/unloading on yellow lines unless 'No Loading' kerb-blip markings are present and there are accompanying signs (NI sign 638.1A or similar). Genuine continuous loading activity (not merely passenger pick-up) is a defence. The motorist must produce delivery notes / commercial documentation.
Legal basis
Road Traffic Regulation (NI) Order 1997 Art 80; Traffic Signs Regulations (NI) 1997 SR 1997/386; DfI Highway Code (NI)
How to identify this in your case
Check kerb for blip-marks (no loading) and presence of NI sign. If blips/signs absent, loading is permitted. Keep delivery notes.
Sample appeal wording
Dear Sir/Madam, Re: PCN [PCN_NUMBER] On [DATE] at [TIME] my vehicle was [actively loading/unloading] [GOODS] at [LOCATION] (delivery note attached). The kerb at this location does not bear 'no loading' blip markings and no sign prohibiting loading is in place. Under the DfI Highway Code (NI) and the principle that loading on yellow lines is permitted absent specific prohibition, the contravention is not made out. Please cancel. Yours faithfully, [NAME]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
Beat It writes this argument automatically
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Scan my ticketSources
- legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1997/276
- legislation.gov.uk/nisr/1997/386
- nidirect.gov.uk — Highway Code