Picture the scene: you left home late for an appointment, got stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle, and now you're struggling to find a parking space.
It’s an all too familiar scenario. But parking where you shouldn’t often comes at a cost.
According to our research, around 8.3 million drivers admitted to parking in places they shouldn’t have last year.
The result? An eye-watering £75 million in parking fines. Ouch.
Why aren’t we parking properly?
Why are drivers so willing to ignore parking rules? Around 31% of those surveyed said they parked where they shouldn’t because it was the only spot available.
Other common reasons include only needing to park for a short time (28%) and being in a rush (25%).
Top 10 reasons why people park where they shouldn’t
| Reason why drivers park where they shouldn't | Percentage |
| It was the only available space to park | 31% |
| It was only for a short amount of time, so I didn't think it mattered | 28% |
| I was in a rush | 25% |
| My passenger had trouble walking, so I wanted to park as close as possible | 19% |
| It was the closest spot to where I had to go / it was the most convenient | 17% |
| I didn't realise I'd parked in the wrong place | 16% |
| I had trouble walking, so I wanted to park as close as possible | 14% |
| There were plenty of other spaces available so I didn't think it would matter | 11% |
| I was willing to take the fine | 7% |
| I think I should be able to park where I like | 7% |
Most common parking mistakes
If you’ve decided to ‘chance it’ by parking on a single yellow line while nipping into the shops, you’re not alone. The study found that the most common ways drivers break the rules are by parking on single yellow lines during restricted hours (1.9 million drivers) or on double yellow lines (1.7 million drivers).
But is the risk worth it?
With one in six motorists receiving a fine the last time they parked where they shouldn’t, and a whopping nine per cent having their cars clamped or even towed, finding a proper spot is worth the extra few minutes of searching.
Nicholas Mantel, Head of Churchill Motor Insurance, agrees:
“Nobody likes receiving a parking ticket. With busy schedules and limited parking, restrictions can be frustrating. However, they are in place to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and ensure accessibility for all road users and pedestrians. Respecting these rules is essential to avoiding costly fines.”
Tips to avoid costly parking mistakes
Give yourself time
Sometimes, this little gem of advice can seem easier said than done, but with being in a rush listed as one of our top three reasons to park badly, allowing a little bit of extra time could be the difference between finding a space or facing a fine.
Research parking
If you’re heading to a new destination, it’s always a good idea to research your parking options in advance. Try to have a couple of places in mind, so if one is full, you can head over to the other.
Take a deep breath
The clock is ticking, and you’re about to do your tenth circuit of the car park. We know, it’s frustrating. But when panic builds, it’s easier to make poor decisions. Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. It could save you money.
Download the parking apps
Faffing around with downloading a parking app or updating your card details can add time to your journey. If you’re running late, it may be tempting to park and run. Save time by downloading the relevant parking app in advance.
Know your rights
Almost half (47 per cent) of drivers admit that they often find parking restriction signs confusing and hard to understand. Don’t be a statistic. Take time to understand the rules around parking and, if you have one, clearly display anything that gives you special permission to park, such as a resident’s permit or blue badge.
Take photos
If you receive a parking ticket unfairly, you'll need evidence to contest it. So, if you've had to park somewhere new and you feel you might get caught out, take photos of your vehicle, including where it’s parked and any parking signs in the area. Make sure the photos are time-stamped to make your case easier.
Pay promptly
If you’ve parked somewhere you shouldn’t and got caught, it’s important to read your ticket carefully and pay before the deadline. You may even receive an incentive, such as a reduced fine for coughing up quickly, so don’t delay.
For more parking hints and tips, read: How to save money on parking.
