Parking in the UK

A Guide to Parking Types, Permits and Payments

Whether you're a driver navigating busy city streets or a tenant checking for parking at your new home, understanding the types of parking available in the UK is crucial. Parking rules and availability vary widely between towns, boroughs, and property types, and fines can be costly if you're caught unaware.

From designated bays and underground car parks to street parking and residential permits, there’s a system for every scenario—but not all are straightforward.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common types of parking in the UK, how they work, how you can pay for them, and what you need to watch out for to avoid fines. Whether you're a daily commuter, a weekend shopper, or a new resident, this is your essential overview of UK parking.

1. Parking Bays

Parking bays are designated spaces clearly marked on roads or in car parks where vehicles may be parked, typically within painted white lines. They are among the most common forms of parking found in the UK, especially in towns and cities.

You’ll find parking bays:

• Alongside streets in residential areas

• Near shops, restaurants, and public buildings

• In controlled parking zones (CPZs)

  
  

These bays often come with specific rules. Some are pay-and-display bays, requiring you to purchase a ticket from a nearby machine. Others are time-limited free spaces, and some are reserved for particular users, such as disabled badge holders, electric vehicles, or permit holders.

Failure to follow bay restrictions—such as overstaying the maximum time or parking without paying—can result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Always read nearby signs carefully, as rules can change by the hour or even by the day of the week.

2. Underground and Multi-Story Parking

In busy urban areas where land is limited, underground and multi-story car parks offer a more secure and space-efficient solution. These are often found near shopping centres, train stations, event venues, and central business districts.

Operated by both councils and private companies such as NCP, Q-Park, or APCOA, these facilities typically charge by the hour, with daily and evening rates available. They're convenient, especially when you're planning a longer stay, but can be significantly more expensive than on-street options.

Payment methods vary:

• Machines (accepting coins, cards, or contactless)

• Pay-on-exit systems using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR)

• Mobile apps linked to your registration

  
  

Advantages include added security features like CCTV, lighting, and barriers. They're also sheltered from the weather—a big plus during a British downpour. However, they can fill quickly during peak times, so it’s worth checking online for real-time availability or booking in advance where possible.

3. Off-Street Parking

Off-street parking refers to any parking that occurs away from the public highway. This includes:

• Driveways

• Private car parks (e.g. those attached to flats or shops)

• Spaces rented through parking apps

  
  

For homeowners and tenants, off-street parking is a valuable asset, reducing reliance on public spaces and usually exempt from council permits. It also offers the option to monetize unused spaces through services like JustPark or YourParkingSpace, which connect space owners with short-term renters.

Retail and business car parks may be free to use for a set time (e.g., two hours), often enforced by ANPR cameras. Staying too long or leaving the premises (e.g., parking in a supermarket and walking into town) can lead to a private parking charge notice, so it’s wise to read signage carefully.

4. On-Street Parking

On-street parking involves parking directly on public roads and is typically managed by the local council. You’ll recognize these spaces by the painted white or yellow lines and accompanying signage.

Key types include:

• Metered bays: Pay-and-display or app-based with a defined time limit.

• Free bays: Often available during off-peak hours or weekends.

• Restricted bays: Resident-only or permit-only parking at certain times.

  
  

Single yellow lines usually mean no parking during set hours (indicated on nearby signs), while double yellow lines mean no parking at any time, except for brief loading/unloading where permitted. Double red lines (common in London) indicate no stopping at all.

Parking on pavements is illegal in London and discouraged elsewhere unless signs say otherwise. Enforcement is common in busy towns, so it’s essential to check all road markings and signs before leaving your car.

5. Parking Permits

Parking permits are often required in areas where parking is limited, and they help ensure that residents, businesses, and other designated users have priority access. These permits are typically issued by the local council and vary by region.

Common permit types include:

• Resident permits: Allow those living in the area to park near their homes.

• Visitor permits: Temporary passes for guests.

• Business permits: For local traders who need vehicle access.

• Disabled Blue Badges: For drivers or passengers with mobility issues.

  
  

Costs vary significantly, ranging from free permits in rural areas to over £100 a year in major cities. Some councils issue paper permits, while others operate digital systems linked to your vehicle’s registration number.

Applications are usually completed online, requiring proof of address and vehicle ownership. Be aware that even with a permit, parking may still be limited—permits don’t guarantee a space, just the legal right to park if one is available.

6. Paying for Parking

Gone are the days when parking meant scrounging for loose change. Today, UK drivers have a variety of ways to pay for parking, many of them digital.

Payment options include:

• Pay-and-display machines: Still common, especially in council-run spaces. Some machines only take coins, while others accept cards and contactless payments.

• Mobile apps: Apps like RingGo, PayByPhone, ParkMobile and JustPark allow you to pay via your phone, extend sessions remotely, and receive reminders when time is nearly up.

• Auto-pay via ANPR: In car parks using ANPR technology, your vehicle is recognised on entry and exit. Payment can be made at a terminal or billed automatically if registered.

  
  

Using parking apps can be convenient, especially if you need to extend your stay. But be cautious—incorrectly entering your registration or selecting the wrong location code can lead to a fine. Always double-check before confirming your payment.

7. Parking Fines and Appeals

Despite your best efforts, mistakes happen. If you park in the wrong place or forget to pay, you may receive a fine.

Types of fines:

• Penalty Charge Notice (PCN): Issued by local authorities for violations like overstaying in a pay bay or parking on yellow lines.

• Parking Charge Notice: A private fine from a company managing off-street spaces, like a retail park.

  
  

PCNs can usually be paid or appealed via your council’s website. If you believe it was issued unfairly—perhaps signage was missing or you paid but the machine malfunctioned—you can challenge it. If rejected, you may take your case to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (for council-issued fines) or POPLA (for private parking).

Act quickly: paying within 14 days often results in a 50% discount.

Conclusion

From on-street restrictions to underground car parks and private bays, parking in the UK can be complex—but with a bit of knowledge, it becomes manageable. Always check signs, understand local permit schemes, and make use of modern tools like parking apps to stay compliant.

Whether you're parking at home, at work, or on a weekend away, a little preparation goes a long way in avoiding unnecessary stress—or worse, a ticket. https://youtube.com/shorts/d3xh_DbLYxE?feature=share