loading/unloading code of practice - Freight Transport Association

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section 2 Guidance for companies and delivery staffIntroductionIt is important to acknowledge that many urbanroads are overcrowded. Inevitably this means thatthe situation for delivery and servicing may not beperfect. Loading/unloading regulations should beobserved, but if you have particular deliveries thatyou are unable to make within the regulations, thendiscuss this with the relevant traffic authority to seeif a solution can be found.Principles1 Training to be given to all delivery staff aboutthe rules of loading and unloading• Every driver to be issued with a copy of thiscode of practice• Utilise training materials such as videos anddrivers’ cards• Drivers to have a driver’s card or similar inevery vehicle(A list of training materials is included insection 6.)2 Conform to parking regulations as far as isreasonably practicable• Ascertain delivery restrictions at customerpremises in advance of delivery wherepossible and plan route accordingly• If restrictions are in place, endeavour toadhere to restrictions or pursue alternatives(with the local authority and/or customers)• Ensure load planners are familiar with all parkingrestrictions• Always check signposts for parkingrestrictions• If a civil enforcement officer cannot be seenin the vicinity of the vehicle, do not assumethat parking regulations are not beingenforced. Traffic authorities are increasinglyutilising CCTV as a method of enforcement.See section 5, Closed Circuit Television(CCTV).3 Understand and respect the civil enforcementofficer’s situation. They have an important rolein ensuring that rules are complied with andthat congested road space is used as effectivelyas possible• Always show respect to civil enforcementofficers• Do not engage in confrontation• Accept PCNs, ascertaining that the detailsare correct. If not, do not take the issueup with the officer. Make a note of thediscrepancy and report back to yourtransport office on your return. If youdrive off or the civil enforcement officerfeels threatened, the PCN can be sent bypost which will make the administrationof payment or an appeal more difficult foryour company4 Always ensure that loading/unloading is takingplace. A definition of loading/unloading isprovided in section 1• Ensure that the delivery or pick up notice issigned, dated and timed by the customer• Personal and legally required breaks mustbe taken in accordance with parkingregulations and drivers’ hours rules5 Debrief delivery staff who receive a PCN whenthey return to depot• Discuss PCN report forms at daily debrief• Review and assess reasons for contraventionand record information6 Interview and re-train any driver whoconsistently receives valid PCNs• Ensure recorded information is used toaddress drivers who consistently receive adisproportionate number of valid PCNs• Ensure that there is an ongoing reviewprocess in place7 Discuss delivery issues with traffic authorities,customers and local residents to resolveproblems• Speak to customer to see if deliveryarrangements (location and/or time) can bealtered• If unable to resolve at customer level,engage in discussion with traffic authoritiesto find solutions, eg obtain a dispensation
section 3 Guidance for civil enforcement officersIntroductionDelivery staff have a difficult job to do. They areoften under pressure to make deliveries in awkwardspaces within short timescales. Parking restrictionsalso vary between different traffic authorities.Delivery staff may therefore be genuinely unfamiliarwith the restrictions to which they are trying tocomply. Clear communication between deliverystaff and civil enforcement officers is therefore veryimportant to make a difficult situation as workableas possible.Principles1 Ensure you are familiar with local parking andloading restrictions• Take note of road signs and associatedlines2 Use procedures and training materials adoptedby your authority• Your local authority’s parking protocol• Civil enforcement officer’s handbook• This code of practice3 Understand and respect delivery staff’ssituation• Respect that drivers have a job to do• Do not engage in confrontation4 Where an infringement seems likely to occurtry to communicate this to the driver5 Record start and end times of all observationperiods6 Do not issue a PCN during the observationperiod if loading/unloading is clearly takingplace legitimately• Be familiar with your authority’s proceduresfor loading/unloading and how theobservation period is used• Remember that loading/unloading is notjust the physical element, but also involveschecking the goods and paperworkcompletion• Remember that the vehicle may be lockedup whilst the delivery is being completed7 Where possible clearly communicate to thedriver what the infringement is at point of PCNissue• Ensure PCNs are always placed on thefront of the vehicle, or handed to the driver,except in cases where this is not possiblebecause the vehicle was driven away beforeyou could finish issuing it• If the vehicle is about to be driven awaybefore you finish issuing a PCN, explainto the driver that it will be served by postinstead8 Ensure the PCN is always placed in a visibleposition on the front of the vehicle and take aphoto of the vehicle showing the PCN and thecontravention
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loading/unloading code of practice - Freight Transport Association

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