Even the most seasoned drivers can occasionally be stumped by a road marking or symbol. This is certainly the case for a number of motorists who have recently discovered the true meaning of a road marking they had completely misread.
Driving instructor Annie Winterburn, from Spot On Driving, posted a TikTok clip aimed at clearing up confusion about road markings, which frequently appear in theory tests.
In one of her videos, she pointed out that "so many people are getting mixed up" with a specific kerbside marking that features two vertical lines.
Annie explained: "They are for people making deliveries. These are loading lines. So people who might want to stop their van or their lorry to deliver something or collect something."
What are the two vertical lines on kerbs?
People use “parking” to mean “stopping and leaving the car”, but enforcement rules focus on waiting. You can be “waiting” even if you’re in the vehicle (e.g., sat there for convenience rather than actively dealing with a permitted activity).
Double yellow lines on their own do not automatically ban loading/unloading. In many places you can load/unload on double yellows if it’s continuous and necessary, and you don’t cause an obstruction or break other rules.
However, loading and unloading isn't permitted on double yellows when there are additional markings/signs indicating a loading ban.
These include the two yellow blips on the kerb, which Annie showed in her video. The Highway Code also has some helpful information for drivers.
It clarifies that double kerb lines signal a complete ban on loading and unloading, while a single line indicates restrictions are only in force at certain times.
A surprising number of drivers were unaware that these road markings relate solely to loading and unloading, rather than general parking or driving.
One grateful motorist commented: "Wonderful. I thought that was for car drivers... thanks for clarifying that."
Another driver, with four decades of experience on the roads, also found the information enlightening. They wrote: "Always helpful, I've been driving for 40 years and I'm still learning the theory aspect."
Meanwhile, a third added: "I never knew about the load/unloading lorries markings. Thank you."