Whether you’re delivering last-minute orders, quoting for January jobs, or squeezing in a few festive errands, December’s roads are a nightmare. And parking? Even worse.
From surprise fines to overnight theft, van drivers face a unique set of risks when the festive chaos kicks in. Here’s what to look out for – and how to keep your van, your gear, and your wallet safe.
The £100 fine you didn’t budget for
Private parking fines are flying out faster than parcels – with over 41,000 tickets issued daily last year. And when you’re in a rush, it’s easy to park up without clocking the signs. But the Highway Code’s clear: park in the wrong spot, and you could be hit with a hefty fine.
Places to avoid include:
- Blocking emergency access routes
- Property entrances or driveways
- Bends, junctions, or opposite traffic islands
- Near schools, bus stops or taxi ranks
- Brow of a hill or hump bridge
- Lowered kerbs or cycle lanes
Tip: If it looks dodgy, it probably is. Stick to marked bays and double-check the signage – especially in private car parks.
Overnight parking: don’t let your van be the target
Had a festive pint and left the van overnight? Fair play. But where you leave it matters. Unfamiliar streets, dark corners or permit zones can lead to fines, theft or even towing.
Before you walk away, ask yourself:
- Is overnight parking allowed here?
- Are there time limits or resident-only zones?
- Is the area well-lit and secure?
- Will you be blocking access or attracting attention?
Tip: Use a paid car park with overnight options if you can – and keep tools and tech out of sight.
Tool theft: the grinch is real
Van break-ins spike over Christmas. Thieves know you’re busy, distracted, and likely carrying high-value kit. A smashed window and a missing drill can ruin your week – and possibly even your reputation.
Protect your van by:
- Locking up every time – even for “just a minute”.
- Removing tools overnight or using lockable storage.
- Parking near CCTV or in well-lit areas.
- Avoiding isolated spots, especially after dark.
Tip: Look for the Park Mark symbol – it means the car park meets safety standards.
Why December’s roads are riskier than ever
It’s not just parking. The roads themselves are more dangerous in December. According to the RAC, an estimated 29.3 million journeys are made in the lead-up to Christmas. That’s a lot of traffic – and a lot of stress.
Here’s what makes it worse:
- Bad weather: Rain, ice and snow reduce grip and visibility.
- Driver fatigue: Long days, late nights and tight deadlines slow reaction times.
- Alcohol: Four in ten road fatalities in December involve an impaired driver.
- Distractions: Passengers, music, sat-nav updates – they all add up.
How to reduce your risk:
- Plan ahead: Avoid peak times like Christmas Eve. Travel early or late.
- Adapt to conditions: Check the forecast. Clear snow and ice. Consider winter tyres.
- Take breaks: Stop every two hours to recharge.
- Skip the booze: Use a taxi or stay over if you’ve had a drink.
- Manage stress: Stay organised and give yourself time. A calm driver is a safer driver.
Get your van covered, so you can crack on
Whether it’s a stolen toolkit, a scratched bumper or a surprise fine, festive mishaps can cost you more than just money. At Howden, we help you protect what matters – so you can focus on the job, not the drama. And if you need help reviewing your van insurance before the Christmas rush? Pop into your local branch or give the team a call – we’re here to help.
Sources: FleetServiceGB, The Telegraph
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- 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.