As you’ve probably noticed, paying to park your car in the UK is getting more and more expensive. As our report shows, prices have shot up by as much as 145% over the last few years. Daytime rates are up 11%, and overnight charges have jumped a whopping 45% since 2022.
And if that wasn’t enough, private firms are dishing out over 41,000 parking fines every single day. It’s starting to feel a little like the wild west out there.
So, what can you do?
If you don’t feel like forking out every time you want to pop to the shops, we’ve put together some easy ways to avoid parking charges and keep your cash for more important things.
1. Apps are your best friend
Before you even leave the house, find out which parking apps are used in your local area and get them downloaded to your phone. There’s many you will never need, so choose the ones relevant to where you park most regularly.
It can be a bit of a faff adding your payment details the first time, but once you’re up and running, it’ll be pretty straightforward.
You should be able to check how many minutes you have remaining, so don’t worry if you can’t remember what time you parked. If you’re worried you’ll over-run, some apps will let you extend your stay (and avoid a fine).
2. Watch out for emission-based charges
Some areas now charge you more to park an older or more polluting car, as part of a 'clean air surcharge'. This is on top of any ULEZ (Ultra Low Emissions Zone) charges.
By charging for parking by fuel type, councils such as Lambeth have increased the cost of annual permits by 400% since 2023, with key workers paying as much as £1,000 a year to park their high-emission vehicles.
Electric cars pay peanuts in comparison, saving two thirds on the cost of parking a polluting car.
So if you're thinking about changing your car soon, going electric or hybrid could save you money – not just on fuel, but in parking, too.
3. Beware private car parks
Private parking can be tricky. Signs are often tiny, the rules can be confusing and fines can hit £100. Always double-check the area you’ve parked in to make sure you know what’s expected.
If you’re on private land, there’s a good chance you’ll need to pay. Look out for the signs and keep proof of payment. A photo or screenshot could save a lot of stress later on.
Plus, if the machine’s broken, take a photo and report it as soon as possible. It might just help you avoid a fine.
4. Check whether fines are legitimate
If you think you were fined unfairly, don’t just pay it straight away – you can appeal it. Almost 6 million Penalty Notice Charges (PCNs) were issued last year, with many drivers claiming they’d been charged unduly. Of those who appealed, around 1 in 3 were successful, so stick to your guns.
PCNs are deliberately written to encourage you to pay up quickly (or face an even bigger fine). Before you panic, stop and think about where you parked and what was happening that day. If you feel you have a case, go for it.
Remember to take photos of any signage (especially if it’s unclear). Keep hold of receipts and explain your side of the situation in full. You’ve got nothing to lose by trying.
5. Leave the car at home
It might seem radical, but sometimes it’s actually easier (and cheaper) to travel by public transport. Or, if the service isn’t reliable where you live, why not cycle or walk?
You’ll not only be getting exercise, but you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint, too.
Big cities tend to be well connected with trains, buses, trams and underground travel, but lots of smaller towns offer park-and-ride options, where you park a bit further outside the city and hop on a bus into town.
6. Stay in the know
Parking rules can change overnight, with new fees or low emission zones coming into effect. Keep up to date on what’s happening by following your local council on social media or sign up to their newsletters.
Don’t get caught out. A bit of planning and some handy apps can go a long way in helping you avoid hefty parking charges or unnecessary fines. Stay in control of where you park and how much you’re willing to pay.
