The Highway Code says quite clearly: "Do not park your vehicle or trailer on the road where it would endanger, inconvenience or obstruct pedestrians or other road users. For example, do not stop at or near a bus stop or taxi rank."
The promotion of public transport is part of the council's traffic management priorities.
This can disrupt bus routes and add to traffic congestion and is therefore a high priority for parking enforcement.
Stopping and parking are never allowed at bus stops where there is a large yellow bay with a wide yellow clearway line marking throughout. There will be a sign at the bus stop stating that stopping is not allowed at any time.
Other bus stops will usually have a sign letting you know at what times you are allowed to stop or park.
If there is just a bus stop with a sign and no road markings, then there is likely to be no restrictions on parking there.
Picking up and dropping off passengers
Only buses are permitted to pick up or drop off passengers in a bus stop when a yellow bus bay marking, clearway marking and No Stopping except buses sign is present.
Dropping off at a bus stop - does it really cause any problems?
Lets see - Many bus stops across Gateshead have a raised kerbs to allow easy access on and off the bus for passengers, especially those in wheelchairs, parents with pushchairs and those with mobility problems. If dropping off at a bus stop, the damage to services and reputation starts here -
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The bus cannot pull into its designated bus stop.
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The low floor vehicle is no longer "accessible" because it has to be exited by stepping down into the road instead of a specially designed bus stop area.
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Elderly and disabled passengers will now find difficulty exiting and boarding the bus, causing frustration for these passengers.
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Passengers who may lack confidence in using public transport because of mobility problems may never use the service again and feel trapped in their home.
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The bus is delayed at this stop whilst trying to safely unload and load passengers, this can cause problems further down the route when passengers are not sure of their services reliability.
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The bus is blocking the road and causing delays and frustrations to other road users, the blame often being laid at the bus drivers door for being inconsiderate.
Blue Badge holders
Blue Badge Holders may not park in a bus stop.
What happens if I park here?
Any vehicle parked when restrictions are in place may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice. Because there are no permitted activites, no observation will be given and the Penalty Charge Notice will be issued immediately.