How to avoid parking tickets

Picture this: You're rushing to an important meeting, your mind preoccupied with the day's tasks, when you spot a seemingly perfect parking spot just around the corner. Your heart races as you pull in, only to return later and find that dreaded slip of paper fluttering under your windshield wiper – a parking ticket. The frustration, the wasted time, and the dent in your wallet can all be avoided with a little finesse and some strategic planning.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to avoid those pesky parking tickets and maintain your peace of mind. Whether you're a city dweller, a commuter, or simply someone who finds themselves driving through crowded areas, the strategies and insights we'll share are designed to help you keep those parking violations at bay.

1 Private Car Parks

From shopping centres to apartment blocks, private car parks are everywhere nowadays. They offer convenience and a sense of security, but they also demand a keen understanding of their rules and etiquettes. Private car parks can pretty much make up their own rules so, before you leave your car, take a look around for any sneaky, partially hidden signs you may not have noticed.

I once left my car in a private car park overnight. The only sign I could see was that there were charges until 6pm. As it was after 6pm, I didn't worry about it, I just left my car there but when I came to pick it up the next day, it was in the middle of a Farmer's Market!! Needless to say I was far too embarrassed to get it out, I just waited until the market closed and snuck in to get it back. However, I was whacked with a hefty fine so, lesson learnt!

2 Are you in the Lines?

It's a scenario we've all encountered: you find what seems like a perfect parking spot, but as you hastily pull in, you neglect to position your vehicle within the lines. A few minutes later, you return to find a brightly colored parking ticket flapping under your windshield wiper. The culprit? A violation of one of the most basic rules of parking – staying within the lines.

If your wheels are even a smidgen over the designated parking bay lines, you can risk being slapped with a fine so check before you walk away. This may seem an obvious point to some, although when drivers are in a rush, it's not uncommon to make this error. 

3 Displaying Your Ticket

Properly displaying your parking ticket is more than a mere formality – it's your ticket to evading those frustrating parking fines. A well-placed ticket on your dashboard can be the shield that guards against unexpected penalties. Whether you're in a bustling city or a private car park, taking a few seconds to ensure your ticket is clearly visible.

If you have a special permit to park, such as a disabled permit or residents' permit, you still risk getting a fine if it isn't displayed clearly. If the traffic warden can't clearly see your ticket or permit is visible, they are within their rights to fine you.

4 Single Yellow Lines

Think you're okay to park on a single yellow line?

Not always the case! Parking on single yellow lines requires more than luck – it demands a thorough understanding of your right to park. These lines often come with specific time restrictions, varying by location. Make sure you check road signs before leaving your car to see if there are any restrictions.

5 Bank Holidays Rules

Different councils have different rules. Many areas relax parking restrictions on bank holidays, but others might still enforce certain rules. So, don't risk it. Go and check the road signs before you leave the car otherwise it could end up being a very expensive day out. Knowing when and where you can park legally during these special days can save you from unexpected fines. 

Using parking apps such as Parkopedia enable drivers to easily locate the closest available parking to their destination. Some of these apps allow you to pay online for your parking or via a mobile app which some drivers prefer to do. Spend less time searching for a parking space, meaning you have more time to enjoy your day, whatever you're doing.

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