Parking in London: Do’s and Don’ts for Your Next Stay
So many people wish to travel to London, but travelling to a new city comes with its advantages and disadvantages. First, you need to know the laws and rules of the city to avoid trouble. Parking rules are one of the trickiest, especially if you have never driven in that city.
London, in particular, is a busy place and you have to keep track of the traffic, people on foot and bikes. You must know a few traffic and parking rules to avoid parking tickets and have a smooth journey from your hotel to your destination. The good news is that some aparthotels in London offer free parking for their visitors. However, if you wish to drive your car around the city, knowing the dos and don’ts of parking in London is crucial. Here they are;
How to Park in London Successfully
Check for Signs, Plates, and Lines to Know It’s Okay to Park in the Area
When travelling to London, you should know that not all places are meant for parking. First, the city offers three permits: a resident permit, visitor permit, and a visitor-only permit. Some areas are strictly reserved for London residents, and that is why you should check for signs to avoid parking in the wrong places. Some of a few other places where you are not allowed to park include;
- Close to a school entrance
- Near a hump bridge or hill
- Around any bend
- On a pedestrian crossing
- At a bus stop or taxi rank, etc.
Be Sensitive with Time
When parking in London, you need to pay close attention to parking time and when certain parking lots close. If you are late to return to your car, you will be fined. Therefore, always know when to park and at what time your vehicles should be out of the parking lot.
Pay Parking Charges
If you park your car in London anytime from Monday to Saturday, you will most likely be charged a fee for parking. The city has parking meters that you can use, but you can also pay online or by phone. If you fail to pay the parking fee, there will be a penalty.
Look for Parking Space Hire
There are now websites dedicated to temporarily renting or hiring a parking space in London. This is worth looking into as it can save you a lot of money and stress during your visit.
The Don’ts of Parking in London
You may be familiar with what you are required to do to park successfully in London, but do you know what you are not supposed to do? Here they are;
Do Not Assume There is Free Parking
While there are places you can park for free in London, some places are pay parking areas. This is why you should always check for parking signs to avoid getting a penalty.
Avoid Parking Where Your Car Will Cause Obstruction
When parking, avoid parking where pedestrians are crossing or in any busy places. Your car may cause obstruction, leading to accidents or danger to other people. Always check for yellow lines and fully park within the markings of the bay. If the lines do not show clearly, find entry signs to parks well.
Conclusion
London is a beautiful place to visit, but you must understand the city’s parking rules to avoid fines and penalties while on your trip. Parking in London is very tricky, even for the residents. This is why you should always ask and find out more about parking rules in London before driving in the city. Alternatively, you could use cubs and buses if you are not comfortable driving in London.
