How Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) work

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Parking: prohibitions in controlled parking zones

Every street in a controlled parking zone (CPZ) will be subject to a waiting restriction or other prohibitions, except for where parking places are marked out.

View controlled parking zone (CPZ) restrictions on TraffWeb 


Yellow lines prohibit waiting either:

  • on the days and hours shown on nearby signs
  • if there are no signs, on the days and hours shown on the large signs at the entry points to a CPZ
  • at all times for double yellow lines

Yellow lines prohibit waiting, but allow vehicles to load or unload for up to 40 minutes.

Civil Enforcement Officers enforce on the basis of what they see happening. If a driver is away from a vehicle making a delivery and are not seen unloading, they may get a penalty.

We will consider cancelling the penalty if you send proof of loading to us.

Blue badge holders can park on yellow lines for up to three hours with their "clock" disc displayed. In some locations loading is not allowed. This is shown by marks on the kerbstones and nearby signs.

CPZs might also include other prohibitions such as zebra crossing zigzags which prohibit stopping at any time, and school keep clear markings and restricted bus stops, both of which apply at times shown on nearby signs. Vehicles that contravene a restriction may be issued with a Penalty charge notice (PCN).

Permitted parking

Parking places are marked out in white to show where parking is allowed. Parking places will be subject to conditions and signs will show what these are. Contravening any condition of use, parking outside marked bays, or parking in a suspended parking place may result in a PCN being issued to the vehicle.

Examples of parking places:

  • residents permit holders only - for resident permit holders and users of visitor vouchers (one day scratch-card permit). The zone letters on the permit and sign must be the same
  • business permit holders only - for those displaying a valid business permit. The zone letters on the permit and sign must be the same
  • permit holders only - combining both of the above
  • pay and display - if you have paid for, and clearly displayed, a ticket. You must be prepared to pay as soon as you park as no time is allowed to go and get change. The maximum stay varies from place to place depending on local needs
  • shared use parking places might combine business and/or resident permit parking with pay and display. The signs will make clear the conditions
  • Blue badge holders only - for blue badge holders either for an unlimited period, or if the sign indicates, for the maximum stay shown. When the maximum stay is limited the "clock" disk must be displayed in the vehicle as well as the badge. Blue badge holders can use all the above permit and pay and display parking places free of charge for an unlimited period
  • doctors permit holder only - for use only by the specific permit holder
  • loading places - for use only to load and unload. If there is a time limit, or if the loading place is only for goods vehicles the sign will show this. Vehicles may also load or unload from parking places. Civil Enforcement Officers enforce on the basis of what they see happening. If a driver is away from a vehicle making a delivery and are not seen unloading, they may get a penalty. We will consider cancelling the penalty if you send proof of loading to us.
  • motorcycles only - for motorcycles, free of charge and for an unlimited period. Motorcycles can also be parked in pay and display and permit parking places free of charge and without a permit

Parking within bay markings

Vehicles must always be parked within the marked-out bay markings.

Suspended parking places

We may suspend parking places to allow work to take place, to allow access, to facilitate a removal or a special event or for other reasons. Advanced warning notices will be erected where possible and "no-waiting" cones will be placed to indicate the restriction and vehicles must not be parked where cones are placed along the edge of the road.

Other restrictions

  • Commercial Vehicle Waiting Prohibition. Within Barnet you cannot wait overnight from 6.30pm to 8am. This applies to any vehicle that weighs over 5 Tonnes. It does not have to be loaded to this weight for a penalty to be issued

  • Footway Parking Prohibition. In London, you cannot park on footways (including crossovers), verges, island and refuges or kerb build-outs. and any part of the highway that is not carriageway unless signs and markings permit it

  • Obstruction. When restrictions are not in force, you should not assume that you can park. A vehicle on a yellow line that is not in operation might still get penalised by a police officer. For causing a danger or obstruction. It may get removed and impounded by the police

Signs and road markings

Our parking controls are indicated by road markings and signs prescribed and regulated by Government. This ensures common standards across the country. Drivers are recommended to keep up to date with the current Highway Code.

A more detailed explanation of signs and markings is given in the Department for Transport's booklet 'Know Your Traffic Signs', which is on sale at booksellers.

Locations and times

Each CPZ in Barnet has its own days and hours of operation. You can view CPZ parking restrictions for any road in the borough:

View controlled parking zone (CPZ) restrictions on TraffWeb 

The interactive map can also help you check if your property falls within a CPZ area.

Exemptions

Blue Badge holders can park for an unlimited time at permit parking places as well as at pay and display parking places.

Motorcyclists can park free of charge in both pay and display and permit parking places.