Contravention Code 01 — Parked in a Restricted Street During Prescribed Hours

Last updated: March 2026

Code 01 is one of the most common higher-level parking contraventions in England and Wales. It covers vehicles parked on streets where waiting restrictions — usually indicated by yellow lines — are in force. Here is everything you need to know about challenging a PCN issued under this code.

What Does Code 01 Mean?

Contravention code 01 is issued when a vehicle is parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours. In practice, this almost always means parking on a single or double yellow line when the restriction is active. Double yellow lines prohibit waiting at all times, while single yellow lines are controlled by nearby time plates that specify when the restriction applies. This is classified as a higher-level contravention, which means the penalty charge is set at the higher band — typically £70 outside London or £130 in London boroughs.

When Is This Code Issued?

A Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) will issue a code 01 PCN when they observe a vehicle parked — that is, stationary and unattended — on a restricted street during the hours shown on nearby time plates. For double yellow lines, those hours are all day, every day. For single yellow lines, the restricted hours vary by location and are specified on adjacent signage. The CEO must record evidence including photographs and timestamps before issuing the ticket.

Common Defences

Loading or Unloading

Yellow lines restrict waiting, not loading. If you were actively loading or unloading goods from your vehicle, this is a complete defence against a code 01 PCN — unless there are also loading restrictions in place (indicated by kerb blips or additional signage). You should be able to demonstrate that the loading activity was continuous and reasonably necessary.

Unclear or Missing Signage

Single yellow lines must be accompanied by time plates within a reasonable distance. If no time plates are visible, or if they are obscured by foliage, damaged, or missing, the restriction may be unenforceable. Photograph the location as soon as possible to capture the state of the signage. Councils must comply with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD).

Blue Badge Holder

Blue badge holders are generally permitted to park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, provided there are no loading restrictions in force and the badge and clock disc are properly displayed. If you hold a valid blue badge and were within the permitted time, challenge the PCN immediately.

Faded or Missing Road Markings

If the yellow lines are so faded that a reasonable motorist would not recognise them as a restriction, this can form a valid ground of appeal. Again, photographic evidence is essential.

What Are Your Chances of Success?

Code 01 appeals succeed more often than many motorists expect. Signage and road-marking defences are particularly strong because councils bear the burden of proving the restriction was properly indicated. At the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, adjudicators regularly cancel PCNs where signage was inadequate. Loading defences also have a high success rate when supported by evidence such as delivery notes or witness statements.

Related Guides

• How to Appeal a Council Parking Ticket (PCN)
• Traffic Penalty Tribunal — How It Works
• Parking on Yellow Lines — Your Rights
• Blue Badge Parking Fine — How to Appeal