Parking signs are compulsory — you must obey them all — but a couple of conventions unlock most of them. Learn what a red border means and what a sign with no times means, and the rest are just variations.
Two rules that decode most signs
A parking sign with a red border means you can't stop there at all, unless it states particular times. A parking sign showing no times applies from 8am to 6pm, except on public holidays, unless other times are shown. Keep those two in mind and most signs read themselves.
No-stopping signs
These are the strict ones. A clearway forbids stopping during the stated hours — park there and your vehicle is towed at your cost. Other no-stopping signs apply for a stated distance, or in both directions, or between set hours in the direction the arrow points; a "no stopping ends" sign tells you where you're allowed to stop again.
At a bus stop, only buses may stop — no other vehicle, at any time.
Time-limited and permit parking
Where a sign shows a "P" with a number, the number is how many minutes you may park. Some bays are reserved: EV-charging bays are for electric vehicles only and for no more than 120 minutes; a coupon zone needs a coupon displayed in your window; and a motorcycle sign means motorcycles only.
Loading zones
In a loading zone, any vehicle may stop to load or unload goods or people, but must not be left unattended for more than 5 minutes. Where the sign says goods vehicles only, that 5-minute allowance is for goods vehicles alone.
Mobility parking
A mobility (disabled) parking bay is only for vehicles displaying a valid mobility parking permit on the front window. Park there without one and you can be fined or towed.
