Parked Or Stopped --- Is There A Difference?

[Bradderz]

Hi Guys,
Just received a Penalty Charge Notice from Westminster for being 'Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours". I was 'caught' by a camera when I had stopped adjacent double yellow lines. Point being that I did not park and neither I nor my passenger left the car! We just stopped to look up the address of the nearest Costa on our phones!! Expensive coffee with a £65 fine :o/
Anyway is there a difference between 'parking' and 'stopping' and do you think I have grounds to contest the charge?
Many thanks
David

[EvianBaby]

I don't know if there is a difference in their eyes but I'd still contest it. I contest them even when in really in the wrong.

[Zacs-Master]

Give it a shot, you've nothing to loose during the fiorst stages of the appeal
http://www.westminster.gov.uk/services/transportandstreets/parking/parkingtickets/challengepcn/

[Old_Geezer]

IMO there is a difference but there again I'm not the law. And there is the issue with relying on tech rather than humans, there is no humanity any more, no ability to use judgement at the time of the alleged offence. It is a cold hard system we are allowing in.

[ABerrant]

There is a difference, however your situation does not fit the criteria of a permitted 'stop'.

Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, unless there are signs
that specifically indicate seasonal restrictions. The words parked or waiting refer to the same thing and are used interchangeably in parking laws and regulations. Parking bans do not prevent loading and unloading of commercial deliveries or the transfer of bulky or large items between a parked vehicle and a nearby premises/pavement or vice versa. Loading/unloading can take place from double yellow lines, provided they are not subject to live loading bans (kerb chevrons marked on the kerb alongside the yellow lines).

Stopping is permitted on yellow lines, even when they are subject to loading bans, provided it is due to an emergency, to comply with a police directive/traffic signal or to set down/pick up passengers who must be on the adjoining pavement at the time of stopping.

Thus, a vehicle not loading/unloading (where permitted) but having made an unforced 'stop' for any length of time without setting down/picking up passengers is waiting, or parked.

[Bradderz]

Thanks for your advice guys. I will challenge the PCN as recommended and remember in future that big brother is watching even at 4:30 on a Sunday afternoon in a quiet suburban high street!!!

[north star]

http://forums.pepipoo.com/index.php?s=98005aaaea85501e923ad7b7d3948085&showforum=30 is your friend