Stopping, parking and standing restrictions
Stopping versus parking
Stopping is a brief halt, for example to load or unload or to check a hitch; parking is leaving the vehicle. Both are restricted where they would endanger or obstruct traffic. A tractor and trailer take more space than a car, so choose a place where the combination can stand wholly off the carriageway where possible.
Where not to stop or park
Keep clear of junctions, pedestrian crossings and their approach areas, bus stops, cycle lanes, fire hydrants, narrow bridges and places where you would block sight lines. Do not stop on a crossing or on a give-way or stop line. Do not park where signs or yellow lines prohibit it. On a hill, chock the wheels and secure the trailer. At night outside built-up areas, a standing vehicle on the roadway needs proper lights or reflectors.
Leaving the vehicle
Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake, lower any raised implement, remove the key and secure the cab. Do not leave a trailer or implement unattached on a public road without marking and permission. Mud or crop spillage must be cleaned if it creates a skid risk.
Worked example
You want to park a tractor and trailer near a field gate beside a main road. Reasoning: the gate is close to a junction and the trailer would obscure sight lines, so this is not a lawful or safe place. Move to a layby or field entrance wholly off the road, check the surface, chock the wheels and leave lights or reflectors if the vehicle remains near the carriageway.
Traps
Parking on the pavement or cycle lane; leaving an implement unmarked; forgetting the trailer brake or wheel chocks; and stopping just before a pedestrian crossing where the combination blocks the view.