Loading bay laws are being broken by UK van drivers in record numbers leading to more than half a million in PCN fines.
Research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has found that councils are hitting the British van driver hard with an average of 13,000 fines a year since 2015, and the numbers are increasing by on average 10 per cent each year.
Van drivers can use loading bays to collect pre-ordered goods and if the vehicle is left unattended it must be made clear that goods are in the process of being loaded or unloaded. But van drivers can sometimes flout the law by dropping off or picking up passengers, waiting for another space to become available or using the spaces for reasons which don’t involve loading goods.
Sarah Cox, head of marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “As this research reveals, PCNs are costing businesses thousands of pounds a year when, in fact, they can be avoided completely if you understand the rules correctly.
“Loading bays are an essential part of the red route network as they allow businesses to access central locations to make and receive important deliveries. As the rules change between councils, it is crucial that you check before you park.”
The confusion does seem to favour the van driver, especially when they appeal, with almost one in four (23 per cent) of appeals successful.