You may also want to rethink where you usually park up
Motorists are being urged to do their homework, as many could be unnecessarily overspending on parking. It may also be worth reconsidering where you choose to leave your vehicle near your home.
Motoring specialists at online car sales platform Autotrader have offered some practical advice on how to cut your parking costs. Tom Roberts, from the company, said: “A few simple habits can make a real difference to what you spend on parking.”
He highlighted the financial benefits of planning ahead, saying: “Booking in advance almost always beats paying on the day, with even a few hours’ notice unlocking a lower rate. Comparison sites and apps let you see all your options in one place rather than just pulling into the first car park you see.
“It’s also worth checking whether your destination has any free or discounted parking nearby, particularly in retail parks or leisure venues where parking is validated.” He offered a further tip for making considerable savings: “And if you’re making a regular trip, a monthly or weekly permit from a local operator can work out significantly cheaper than daily rates adding up over time.”
The company use data from parking platform Parkopedia to determine which UK cities have the fewest parking spaces relative to the number of vehicles on the road. Bradford emerged as the most congested, with just 18,394 spaces available against some 215,600 vehicles, equating to a mere 85 spaces for every 1,000 vehicles.
Sunderland came in second place, with 115,500 vehicles competing for a mere 11,461 spaces, equating to just 99 spaces per 1,000 vehicles. Leeds, Sheffield and Birmingham followed close behind.
Look beyond the obvious spots
For those regularly struggling to locate a space near their home, Mr Roberts has offered some practical suggestions. He said: “If you’re regularly struggling to find parking near home, the first step is to get to know your local area beyond the obvious spots.
“Many drivers default to the same streets or car parks out of habit, but there are often quieter roads just a short walk away that are far less competitive. It’s also worth exploring whether your local council offers a residents’ permit scheme, if one exists and you’re not using it, you could be missing out on protected spaces.”
He encouraged using apps such as Parkopedia or JustPark to discover spaces that might otherwise go unnoticed, including privately rented driveways. The specialist noted that these rented spots “can be a real lifeline in denser areas”.
Mr Roberts highlighted that planning your parking in advance can significantly reduce your stress on the day of your journey.
He said: “Booking a space in advance using a parking app is a great option, not only does it guarantee you somewhere to go, but it often works out cheaper than turning up and paying on the day.
“It’s also worth thinking about park-and-ride options on the edge of the city, which can be quicker and far less frustrating than crawling through traffic looking for a space in the centre. And if your plans are flexible, avoid peak times; mid-morning on a weekday is typically much calmer than a Saturday afternoon.”
