Drivers have been encouraged to do some research as you could be needlessly overpaying for your parking. You may also want to rethink where you choose to park near your home.
Motoring experts at online car selling platform Autotrader have shared some tips around how to savings on the costs of parking. Tom Roberts, from the group, said: "A few simple habits can make a real difference to what you spend on parking."
He said it is definitely worth planning ahead. The expert said: "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 added another tip for getting some big 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."
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The group used data from parking site Parkopedia to find out which UK cities have the least parking relative to the number of cars on the road. Bradford was the most congested, with 18,394 spaces available while there are some 215,600 cars on the road, meaning just 85 cars are available for every 1,000 vehicles.
This was followed by Sunderland, with 115,500 cars fighting for just 11,461 spaces, meaning just 99 spaces for each 1,000 vehicles. This was followed by Leeds, Sheffield and Birmingham.
Check your area
If you are struggling to find a spot near where you live, Mr Roberts has some ideas. 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 recommended trying apps like Parkopedia or JustPark to find spaces you might not know about, such as privately rented driveways. The expert said these rented spots "can be a real lifeline in denser areas".
Save yourself some stress
Mr Roberts said planning ahead where you will park can save you a lot of stress on the day you travel.
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."
