More fines are issued for illegal parking in Central London than anywhere else in the UK. There are traffic wardens, CCTV, mobile cameras and Police traffic officers all keeping an eye out for poorly parked drivers, so it is worth keeping a few things in mind when parking in London.

Read the signs

Carefully read the signs at the road side so that you are aware of the times and conditions of the restrictions. Just because other vehicles are parked there, does not necessarily mean they are parked correctly.

Ensure you have change

Make sure you have enough change to pay the meter for your stay. You must pay as soon as you park and you are usually not allowed to return and buy more time at the same location.

Don’t park in disabled bays

Disabled bays are for blue badge holders only, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Although parking in London can be a nightmare at the best of times, parking in disabled bays illegally is likely to be the most unethical offence.

Avoid yellow lines

You are not allowed to park on a yellow line when restrictions apply, although you can pick people up or drop them off at the kerbside without waiting. Vehicles being used for loading and unloading or making commercial deliveries and collections can be left on a yellow line.

Find out about parking in advance

It is advisable to book London parking in advance with a long term parking company like 24 7 Parking. Be it cheap parking in Canary Wharf or long term parking in Kingston, 24 7 Parking can help.