We can provide waiting and loading restrictions on publicly maintainable roads where there is a need to restrict parking to help improve traffic flow and prevent obstructions on the road. However, we have no powers to enforce these restrictions once in place - this is the responsibility of the Suffolk Police.
Double or single yellow lines along the edge of a road show the existence of waiting restrictions and they apply to the road, pavement and verge. The Highway Code gives examples of the lines and signs in normal use. You may however load and unload goods or set down and pick up passengers unless the signs or road markings indicate you cannot. There are certain exemptions for holders of Blue Badges. The width and shade of yellow lines can be varied. In conservation areas, narrower and paler lines are often used to be less intrusive.
The times at which the restrictions apply are shown on nearby signs and they may be introduced to:
- prevent waiting at any time (double yellow lines)
- restrict waiting at certain times of the day or certain days of the week
- limit the length of stay (single yellow lines)
To introduce waiting restrictions a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) (PDF, 22KB) needs to be made. This is done under the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984. The process to bring this about requires consultation with all interested parties (e.g. town/parish council, District Council and Suffolk Police as a minimum), followed by public advertisement, and public notices posted on site and in the local newspaper.
Feedback from consultation for all other TRO's in Suffolk is considered by the Rights of Way Sub Committee and if approved, signs and markings are ordered and arrangements made for them to be put in place on a date which coincides with the Traffic Regulation Order coming into force.
The yellow lines (or other waiting restrictions) are then enforceable by the Police or Traffic Wardens (the County Council has no powers to enforce these regulations). In Ipswich, parking is enforced by Ipswich Borough Council's parking attendants.
Frequently asked questions
Q Cars are always parking outside my house, can I stop them?
A If these vehicles are legally parked, taxed and not causing an obstruction then they are entitled to park there, even though it maybe outside your property. If vehicles are parked illegally, contact Suffolk Police.
Q Parked cars are making it difficult for me to access my property - can you get them removed?
We have no powers to move vehicles parked inconsiderately or illegally and you should contact the Police for help.
Q How do I request new yellow lines?
Please complete our online report form, selecting report type "Traffic Management", problem type "Waiting and loading restrictions".
If you would like waiting restrictions in Ipswich, please complete Ipswich Borough Council's online report form.
If you would like waiting restrictions on a trunk road (PDF, 89KB) please contact the Highways Agency Information Line.
Who do I contact to report missing/faded yellow lines?
We are responsible for the maintenance of yellow lines on the road network in Suffolk - please see our road markings page for more information.
How do I get changes made to existing waiting/loading restrictions?
Please complete our online report form, selecting report type "Traffic Management", problem type "Waiting and loading restrictions".
Who do I talk to about a parking ticket I've received?
If the ticket was received as a result of parking on a waiting or loading restriction or as a result of a speeding offence, please contact Suffolk Police.
If the ticket was received as a result of parking in a public car park, contact the operator (the District Council or private company).
