Parking charges are one of those really annoying costs we all just accept nowadays as a necessary cost if we are out in the car. But there are some simple money saving steps you can take to reduce your parking charges and save your hard earned cash for better things in life!
The Parking Gripe
Most local authorities have now introduced parking charges so that even popping out for a few bits and pieces ends up with a confrontation with a parking machine! All those infuriating tasks; from having the right change, (is it only me that seems to have the world’s supply of fake coins?), to undertaking a quick time and motion study to calculate your length of stay! To top it all off, I’ve even had to plug in the numerical part of my registration number – who knows that off hand?
Not only is it a hassle but then there is the expense to consider. Whilst £2.40 here or 70p there doesn’t seem very much, have you ever wondered how much parking is costing you each year? When I calculated my parking expenditure, I was shocked to learn it was costing me around £1500 a year. Time to take some money saving action!
Money Saving Tips to Reduce Your Parking Spend
There are some simple money saving steps we can all take to reduce unnecessary parking spend and I’m sure there are plenty more ideas out there that are worth sharing too!
Use supermarket car parks: generally supermarkets offer a ‘free’ period of parking time for a minimum spend in store. Whilst this may mean a slightly longer walk to the high street, (or fat burning exercise as I see it), if you can keep within these time limits it’s a no brainer. The trick is to ensure you purchase only essential items on the minimum supermarket spend rather than treat yourself to a box of chocolates. If there is nothing you immediately need, stock up on toilet roll, washing powder etc that will reduce your weekly supermarket shop at a later date.
Free parking tool: have a look at freeparkingspace, an online tool that shows you free parking spaces within a certain radius of your destination. Whilst national coverage is patchy, it may point you in the right direction and you can search by location or attraction. More details at online free parking tool checker.
Check out free/reduced parking times: always worth glancing over at the parking fee notice boards in your local area. It can sometimes be surprising to learn that certain times or days, (particularly Sundays or in the run up to Christmas), offer discounted rates or even free parking. My local car park offers free parking after 3.30pm and means I can combine it with a library trip for the kids.
Have the correct change: I don’t want to think about the money I have lost over the years by not having the correct change for these pay and display machines! With no refund options on many of these parking monsters, this is simply lost money! Ensure you are prepared!
Park & Ride Schemes: these seem to have become less popular with people in our ever busier life schedules. However for me, the combination of free/reduced parking, (for many, you tend to just pay your fare into a city), plus the hassle free experience of a regular bus service straight to your stop wins every time. Why not go online and check out where your local park & ride schemes are running.
Public transport can be cheaper: with are so many train deals available for off peak times, particularly if you have invested in a railcard, it can make public transport the cheaper option especially if you plan ahead! I recently took my daughter to Manchester for the day, (from Stoke), for a total cost of £10.50; I can’t park in Manchester for that let alone the petrol!
Can you add to this list with other ideas to reduce non essential parking charges, we’d love to hear from you!
Liz
