Where and when you can park your van

Using a van for work is pretty common in the motor trade. But did you know there are specific rules and regulations about where you can park, depending on the vehicle you’re driving? With many of us tightening our belts during the cost of living crisis, the last thing anyone needs is an unnecessary fine for parking up in the wrong place or a dispute with an angry neighbour. So here’s everything you need to know about parking your business van:

At home

Parking your van at home makes a lot of sense if you’re often on the road – it saves you time and hassle at the start and end of the day. When you come to park, make sure you follow the highway code, which states that you can park in off-street parking areas, designated bays marked out in white lines on the road, and on the roadside – as long as you’re facing the direction of traffic and no restrictions apply in that area.

Every local council and residential area is different, so you will need to check what restrictions there are in your area, for example, you might need a special permit for a van. And don’t forget – if your van weighs more than 7.5 tonnes, you can’t park it on a pavement, verge or between carriageways without police permission (unless you’re loading or unloading, and even then, someone should stay with it at all times).

When it comes to your neighbours, try to park as considerately as you can to avoid causing any disputes. A larger vehicle can block access points or even light into someone’s home if parked carelessly.

Lastly, if you’re going to park at home, make sure you let your insurer know. Your motor trade insurance might need to be tweaked to make sure you’re properly covered – but if you’re unsure, you can always just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

At night

If you’re leaving your van overnight, there are even more rules to remember for safety reasons. If you’re parking any vehicle on a road between sunset and sunrise, you must be facing the direction of traffic, unless you’re in a designated parking bay.

If the speed limit of the road is higher than 30mph, then you need to leave your parking lights on at all times so drivers can see your van easily. And if your van is a larger model with a maximum loading weight of over 2.5 tonnes, for example a transit van or bigger, you’re required to switch on your parking lights on any road, regardless of speed limit.

To load and unload

If you need to load anything into, or unload equipment out of, your van, you will need to park somewhere safe to get this done. There are certain considerations you should keep in mind. Firstly, the Highway Code continues to apply so you can’t load or unload where there are yellow markings on the kerb or signs saying there are restrictions in place.

In some places where restrictions apply (e.g. outside school entrance gates or ‘red routes’), there are specially marked bays that show when and where you can load and unload. These might be during a certain time of day, so make sure you plan in advance.

Remember, if you’re driving a heavy van of 7.5 tonnes or more, you can park it on a verge, pavement or in between carriageways to unload it – but you’re not allowed to leave it unattended.

Don’t forget:

The Highway Code

Make sure you keep on top of your Highway Code, which includes a list of rules and regulations about where you cannot park, stop or wait. For example, you can’t:

• park or wait on double yellow lines at any time
• park or wait on single yellow lines during times displayed on any signs
• park or wait on school entrance markings or anywhere with signs that say you can’t
• park or stop on a pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zigzag lines
• park in spaces reserved for specific users, such as Blue Badge holders, residents or motorcycles unless you are entitled to do so
• leave your vehicle or trailer anywhere dangerous or where it blocks the road
• park on the pavement in London (and you shouldn’t do this elsewhere unless signs permit it!)
• park in areas such as taxi bays and cycle lanes.

Security

As your van is a business vehicle, you may have to store tools or valuable equipment in it that could cause you all manner of problems if stolen. When you park your van, make sure you do so with security in mind – keep it locked, in well-lit areas and preferably near security cameras. Consider investing in extra security measures, like alarms and trackers, and consider parking with your van side doors or back doors close to a wall or fence so potential thieves can’t gain access as easily. You can read more tips on van security here.

Motor trade insurance

If anything happens to your work van when it’s parked up – or out on the road – you’ll want to make sure it’s protected. At DNA, we’re specialists in motor trade insurance, so we can find you the right van insurance you need for your trade. To find out more or to get a quick quote from a straight-talking team, just give us a call on 01708 988952 or get in touch online.