13RESTRICTED PARKING ZONES
GENERAL
13.1 Restricted parking zones were originally developed for areas where very narrow roads resulted in conventional yellow lines being visually intrusive. Zones are now also used in urban areas and town centres where it is desired to enhance the environment, for example by improved road surface treatment, but where it is not appropriate to implement a full pedestrian zone (see section 11). They have also been used in some residential areas.
13.2 Waiting and loading restrictions, which must be uniform throughout the zone, are indicated by zone entry signs and time plates within the zone, but without yellow lines or kerb marks. Restricted parking zones are therefore suitable only for single streets or clearly defined small areas. They are not suitable for through routes with heavy traffic or facilities which create a demand for parking greater than can be accommodated in the on-street bays (unless convenient off—street parking is available). Unlike a pedestrian zone, there is no restriction on entry into a restricted parking zone.
13.3 Provision may be made for parking and loading within a zone, with bays being delineated either by white road markings or by physical features such as block paving, planters, bollards etc. Upright signs for such bays will generally be prescribed and be in accordance with the signs described in section 7. However, where uncontrolled parking is provided this will need to be indicated by specially-authorised signs. For example, in a 24-hour zone (no waiting at any time) a parking bay might be pay and display during the day, with free (uncontrolled) parking overnight (see para 13.10).
13.4 Zone entry and end signs, and repeater signs for the waiting and loading restrictions, are not prescribed by the Regulations and require authorisation by the Secretary of State (see para 2.1). Other signs within the zone might also require authorisation (see paras 13.3 and 13.8 to 13.11). Where prescribed signs are used for on-street parking places or loading bays but without the associated prescribed road marking, a special direction will be required from the Secretary of State. Traffic authorities should discuss proposals with the Department before submitting an application for authorisation.
ZONE ENTRY AND EXIT SIGNS
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Figure 13-1 Entry to a restricted parking zone with no on-street parking or loading facilities during the times shown
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Figure 13-2 Entry to a restricted parking zone with provision for parking or loading in signed bays
13.5 The zone entry sign is based on the controlled parking zone sign to diagram 663, as shown in section 12, with the legend at the top of the sign varied to ”Restricted ZONE”. Design details are shown on working drawing NP 663.2, available on request from the Department. Figure 13-1 shows a typical example of a sign for a zone where there are no parking or loading facilities. Where the sign indicates a time period less than 24 hours, no
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