subject: Parking Safely and Securely in the UK [print this page] For those who live in the largest cities in the UK such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff you will know that driving can be very stressful especially during the nightmare that is rush hour where traffic can be at a standstill for hours. The same applies when we talk about parking as spaces can fill up very quickly and as a result many drivers have to leave their car in less secure areas.
When parking and driving make sure you look for signs where you are and are not allowed to park. London, like many cities throughout Europe operate under the Blue Zone parking rule which means cars are not allowed to park in the area for longer than a set period of time (usually 2 hours). Although these areas are free to use it is worth checking to ensure they are. The same applies for parking after a certain time because these are often free as well but check the signs for confirmation.
If you choose to park outside the 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 in to your vehicle. During busy periods you may find that there are not many opportunities to park especially in city centres, 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 into breaking into your car. A good idea is to wipe off any marks that a Sat Nav may leave on your windscreen as thieves look for these.
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.
