Archive for October, 2009
London’s parking meters and public car parks
Wednesday, October 7th, 2009
When you are parking in London without securing a guaranteed parking space beforehand it can be tricky.
Ideally, it is better to book and guarantee long term parking in London to achieve the best prices and alleviate your concerns over limited parking spaces.
There are some people who will not park in private car parks and choose London’s parking meters instead, particularly if it is only short term parking that they require.
As with all major cities across the UK, London’s parking meters have the same set up and the parking zone is clearly marked by dotted white lines. If you are out of the white box area then this can lead to a large fine or penalty notice.
If you are using parking meters you need to make sure you have the right change in your pocket as well. Also, you cannot stay for longer than the maximum parking time at any parking meter even if you would be prepared to pay more. This scenario is not a desirable one for many drivers
Residential areas close to central London will often be completely restricted and only allow residential parking often displayed in signs staying ‘Permit Holders Only.’ If you are caught parking in these areas without a badge you are also looking at a fine.
247 Parking is the place you need to come for cheap parking in London which can be booked and arranged before you travel ensuring peace of mind at all times.
Car parking in London
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
Most people who have searched for London parking will know how expensive it can be with some central London companies. Additionally, it would be fair to say that parking in London is not ideal for the feint hearted.
Over the last six years London has seen more parking restrictions particularly within the central zones, and the overall government policy has been to discourage drivers from congesting the roads in London, and thus, parking in London. These policies have also had an impact on overall car parking in London; it is much harder to find spaces on the same day in central areas.
Given the recent changes it is highly advised to guarantee yourself a space with a reputable company who can provide long term parking in London for a good price.
If you fancy chancing your luck on London parking the same day you travel then there are a few things you should know about London parking restrictions.
Never park in controlled hours, although you can stop to allow passengers to get in or out of your vehicle. You cannot park here even if it is only for a second. If you are a blue badge holder then you can park in these areas for a short time as long as the blue badge is clearly displayed.
Double yellow lines and red lines are complete no go areas for parking in London, under no circumstances can you do this – it is a 24-hour policy and you could end up with a fine or by being towed away.
For safe and cheap parking in London give yourself peace of mind by speaking to our experts at 247 Parking who can help to locate the perfect car parking space for a great price.
The recession and London congestion charge’s impact on parking in London
Monday, October 5th, 2009
In February 2003, Ken Livingston, the then Lord Mayor of London, introduced a congestion charge into central London’s key areas. Whilst parking in London is still exceptionally busy, traffic levels in central London zones have dramatically dropped.
Long term parking in London has increased in popularity whilst regular daily parking in London is not as busy at it has been in the years before the congestion charge was introduced.
The total cost of the London scheme was around £200 million with the ongoing annual cost to maintain it reaching £115 million a year. The congestion scheme began to make close to £100 million per year during the years 2004 and 2005.
However, it was only until 2007 when overall traffic congestion in the UK dropped significantly, states a report released by the AA. The significant congestion drop seen in recent years is linked to more people working at home and the affects of unemployment due to the recession.
London parking is still very popular but there is a significant reduction in people choosing to park in London because of the recession and congestion factors.
Significant traffic congestion increases on UK roads has increased on school end of term days and bank holidays, due to more people choosing to take a holiday in the UK to save money on air fare.
At 247 Parking, we are a leading provider for cheap car parking in London and areas in and around London.
