TOP TIPS FOR HOLIDAY PARKING

Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging drivers to reduce stress on holiday and days out by ensuring they plan where they are going to park. The call follows news that parking firms are issuing around 12,000 penalty notices every day in the UK.

Hot weather brings day trippers as well as holidaymakers to seaside resorts, national parks and beauty spots with the inevitable strains on car park availability. But with a bit of research into where you're going, what parking is available and how much it costs, you can hopefully have this part of the day organised in advance and concentrate on having a great day out, says GEM.

GEM chief executive Neil Worth commented: “Parking while on holiday or a day out can be the bane of drivers' lives, with long queues into car parks, strictly-enforced restrictions and the potential to waste precious time searching for somewhere to leave the car.

“Arriving in a town without knowing where you're going to park is sure to be a source of unnecessary stress. That's why we encourage drivers to do their homework before setting off. Booking a slot in advance takes away that stress, saves money and does away with any urge to take a chance on parking somewhere unsafe, illegal or inconsiderate.

“If you have been successful in finding a space in a car park, do check opening hours as you don't want to attempt returning to your car at the end of a day and find it locked in for the night!

“Finally, if you turn up somewhere on spec and all the parking has been taken, prepare to be flexible and head somewhere else. Full car parks are not an excuse for illegal parking, even if you have a car full of fractious children desperate to get onto the beach.”

Tips for stress-free parking this summer:



At the seaside

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