Parking in UK cities
As many of us know, parking in the UK's main cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham can be very stressful as the volume of traffic is generally higher than out of city areas so spaces fill up quickly in designated parking area. As a result many people opt to leave their cars in other places that may not be as secure.
It is important to read the signs about where you can and cannot park in a city. As with other European cities, come cites like London operate under the 'Blue Zone Parking' rule which means cars are not allowed to park in specific areas for longer than a set period of time (usually 2 hours). These areas are sometimes free to use but you should check for details. After a certain time of day, normally around half past six in the evening, parking may be free but again you should double check to confirm.
Parking areas will be signed so you know what you have to pay and for how long you are entitled to stay. Ensure that you read these signs carefully to avoid any parking fines and even in extreme cases, having your car clamped.
If you choose to park outside a set parking areas then it is important that you park your car in a well lit area with CCTV cameras overlooking the area. Night time is usually when break-ins occur and parking in a well lit area will deter anyone from attempting to break into your vehicle. During busy periods you may find that there are not many opportunities to park, especially in city centres, so try setting off earlier to give yourself every chance of getting a parking space.
When you park your car you should ensure that all valuables are placed out of sight. This includes satellite navigation systems, CD players, iPod's or any other equipment that may tempt thieves to break into your car. A good idea is to wipe off any marks that a Sat Nav may leave on your windscreen so not o indicate that you have one and that it may be in the car.
Ensure all money is placed in the glove compartment and think about purchasing a wheel lock as this will be a big deterrent for thieves. Making sure there is enough room to get out of your parking space is important to avoid contact with other cars.
These are just a few top tips to look out for when parking in UK main cities; you will not always find the ideal parking space but do all you can to ensure your car is parked in a safe area.
About the Author:
Phil adams-Wright writes on a variety of motoring sucject like Car finance, Car Credit and Car Loans.