It’s the most wonderful time of the year… unless you’re stuck circling a packed car park or waking up to a £100 fine. With Christmas shopping, festive visits to family and friends, and end-of-year celebrations, Britain’s roads – and car parks – are about to get busier than ever! And while the season might be full of cheer, it’s also full of parking pitfalls.
From fines to theft, the cost of a poor parking decision can quickly snowball. So, before you dash through the snow (or the retail park), here’s what to watch out for – and how to stay protected.
The £100 mistake: where not to park this Christmas
Private parking fines are on the rise – with over 41,000 tickets issued daily last year by private companies. And during the festive rush, it’s easy to misjudge a space or take a chance on a questionable spot. But the Highway Code is clear: park in the wrong place, and you could be hit with a hefty fine.
Places to avoid include:
- Blocking emergency service access
- Property entrances
- Bends and junctions (within 10 metres)
- Opposite traffic islands or parked vehicles
- Near school entrances or public transport stops
- Brow of a hill or hump bridge
- Lowered kerbs for wheelchair access
- Cycle lanes or tram crossings
Tip: If it feels like a gamble, it probably is. Stick to marked bays and check signage carefully – especially in private car parks.
Overnight parking: the tipple trap
A festive drink with friends? Lovely. Driving home after? Not so much. Many of us choose to leave the car overnight – but where you leave it matters. Unfamiliar streets, poorly lit areas or spots with unclear restrictions can lead to fines, theft or even towing.
What to check before you leave your car:
- Is overnight parking allowed?
- Are there time restrictions or permit zones?
- Is the area well-lit and secure?
- Will you be blocking driveways or access routes?
If in doubt, use a paid car park with overnight options – and keep your valuables out of sight.
Tip: Even if you think you know the parking situation somewhere, it’s worth double-checking the times. For example, Liverpool Council recently extended paid parking times in the city from 7pm to 11pm, and many local drivers were caught out!
Theft and damage: don’t let your car be the grinch’s target
Busy car parks are prime hunting grounds for opportunistic thieves. Bags of shopping left on seats, unlocked doors, or even just a moment of distraction can lead to loss.
Protect your car by:
- Locking doors and windows every time
- Hiding shopping bags and tech out of sight
- Parking near CCTV or in well-lit areas
- Avoiding isolated spots, especially after dark
Tip: If you’re heading into town for a big shop, consider using a secure multi-storey or monitored car park. Check for the Park Mark symbol, indicating a location is up to legal standards.
Fines, frustration and festive chaos: what you can do
Parking fines aren’t just annoying – they’re expensive. And with private companies issuing tickets faster than Father Christmas delivers presents, it pays to be cautious.
Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Use apps to check parking rules, availability and even extend your stay.
- Don’t rely on old habits – restrictions change.
- Keep an eye on time limits and return deadlines.
- Appeal unfair fines promptly – and with evidence.
Make room for what matters this Christmas
Whether it’s a stolen satnav, a scratched bumper or a surprise fine, festive parking mishaps can quickly turn into costly headaches. But with the right cover, you won’t be left out in the cold. At Howden, we help you protect what matters – so you can focus on the fun, not the fallout.
Pop into your local branch or give the team a call if you need help reviewing your car insurance before the Christmas rush – or for any of your insurance queries.
Sources: The Telegraph, RAC
You could also read:
- Is your town one of the UK’s riskiest for child pedestrians?
- Flood risk is rising – but would your claim be denied?
- Smart heat your home this winter | Howden Insurance
- Manual or automatic: which costs more to insure?
- The UK towns where you’re most likely to pass your theory test
This is a marketing blog by Howden.