COUNCILLORLEE ROWLEY
CABINET MEMBER FOR PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
MEMBER FORMAIDA VALE
Tel: (020) 7641 2228
Fax: (020) 7641 3156
6 January 2012
Dear
Double Yellow Lines in Westminster
Westminster City Council is in the process of making some important changes to road markings in the centre of London.
Responding to calls from the community, we are converting lengths of single yellow line into double yellow lines at junctions, dropped kerbs and also in other locations, such as narrow streets, where double yellow lines will improve safety and access.
I am writing to explain to you why we are taking this step and how it will benefit road users and pedestrians.
Rule 243 of The Highway Code gives helpful advice:
“DO NOT stop or park
• near a school entrance
• anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services
• at or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank
• on the approach to a level crossing or tramway crossing
• opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space
• near the brow of a hill or hump bridge
• opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle
• where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane
• where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles
• in front of an entrance to a property
• on a bend
• where you would obstruct cyclists’ use of cycle facilities
except when forced to do so by stationary traffic.”
For several years, various groups have called on the council to introduce double yellow lines in such locations, to make it clearer to motorists where they should not park. Over the past few years we have already introduced new double yellow lines at various locations across the city, and we will be making similar changes in the West End from 9th January 2012.
As well as helping drivers to avoid parking tickets by making the rules clearer, these measures will also make it easier for disabled or elderly people to get around by helping to keep dropped kerbs clear. In addition, introducing new double yellow lines on a limited number of streets will improve access for the emergency services.
Motorists will not be able to park at any of these locations at any time. However,out of 8000m of single yellow lines which will be changed to double yellow lines, more than 7300m of these lines are already unusable for parking. The small number of motorists who previously parked at these locations will therefore still have plenty of alternatives for parking ,on street in the West End.
We understand that it might take some time to adjust to these changes. Therefore, for the first two weeks that the new lines are in place, we will not issue Penalty Charge Notices, but will instead issue warning notices, to remind people of the new rules.
Motorists can still stop on most of the single or double yellow lines to allow a passenger to board or alight at locations not covered by Rule 243 of the Highway Code. They can also park free in parking bays and on single yellow lines outside controlled hours, which run from 08:30 – 18:30, Monday to Saturday in the West End. In addition, drivers can take advantage of special night time deals in car parks in the West End where parking can be obtained for a maximum of £8 all night. To find out more visit:
We are hopeful that these small changes will make a large contribution to improving safety and traffic flow in the West End. If you have any questions about this work, please do contact me.
Yours sincerely
COUNCILLOR LEE ROWLEY
CABINET MEMBER FOR PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
MEMBER FOR MAIDA VALE