Red routes are introduced on main roads that have a lot of traffic. They are marked by single or double red lines.
Red routes help to:
- keep traffic moving freely,
- reduce congestion,
- make busy roads safer, and
- improve bus journey times.
If you stop on a red route during operational times, you may get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
How they work
Vehicles are not allowed to stop on the red lines during operational hours:
- Single red lines normally apply at peak traffic times (7am to 7pm).
- Double red lines apply all day, every day.
There are some exceptions, such as:
- Hackney carriage taxis can drop off and pick up passengers from the side of the road.
- Blue badge holders can get in or out of your vehicle.
- Stopping because of traffic or in an emergency.
- Highways maintenance.
- Emergency services responding to an emergency call.
Loading and unloading
Loading and unloading on a red route is not allowed.
Loading bays will be provided in areas with red routes to make sure loading or unloading can be accommodated.
In some exceptional cases, we may allow exemptions to the parking controls. These are known as dispensations. Dispensations are only issued where loading and unloading would be safe and not cause an issue with traffic.
