Pay and display’ ticket-regulated parking place
This is a blue square sign with a large white 'P' and the words 'pay and display'. It tells you that you are entering a controlled parking zone where you must buy a ticket from the nearby machine (or pay via the council’s mobile app) and display the ticket clearly inside your vehicle, usually on the dashboard, during the exact hours shown on the sign or on nearby plates. Many councils have now switched to ANPR cameras that automatically check payment, so even if there is no visible ticket machine you can still receive a Penalty Charge Notice if you have not paid. Always read the small print for maximum stay time, return restrictions, and any exemptions such as Blue Badge holders or loading bays. Failing to pay or display correctly is one of the most common theory-test questions about parking signs and can lead to a PCN in real life.
- Shape
- Rectangular
- Background
- White
- Border
- Grey/Black
- Text type
- Other
- Primary symbol
- Parking [P]
- Secondary symbol
- Arrow
- Diagram reference
- 661.21
Where you'll see this sign
Town centres, hospital car parks, transport interchanges, and pay-and-display zones in urban residential areas.
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