Drivers reveal their most dreaded locations to park – and will walk ten minutes to bag free spot, survey finds
DRIVERS would rather walk 10 minutes to bag a free parking space rather than squeeze into difficult spots, according to a recent survey.
Nearly half of all drivers believe parking is the most stressful part of driving.
Motorists are often frustrated by a lack of parking information, with one in three never knowing if there are restrictions in certain areas.
The most dreaded places to park include busy streets, roads with potential restrictions, and anywhere with parallel parking.
Instead, drivers are willing to travel a further five minutes away, or a ten-minute walk, to bag a free space.
Parallel parking was voted the hardest manoeuvre, although 62% rated themselves good parkers overall.
Read more in Motors
However, drivers are quick to judge each other as 78% get annoyed when other people park badly.
Dan Hubert, CEO of AppyParking+, said: “We know people can find parking stressful, as the research has shown, especially in busy cities with many restrictions and zones and costly parking charges.
“It’s been interesting to see the varying approaches to parking, as highlighted in our quiz too.
"We encourage people to get public transport when and where they can – which not only removes the parking stress completely, but reduces car emissions, which is better for the environment.
Most read in The Sun
“When this isn’t possible, doing your parking research before you head off can help save time, mileage and pounds, helping to removing the rush and panic to find a space in unfamiliar or busy areas”.
Tips to take the stress out of parking
Research before you head off to find on and off-street parking bays, cost-free car parks and any parking restrictions.
Parking a little further away from your destination might be cheaper and make it easier to find a space - parallel streets can have a cost difference of up to £5 per hour.
Consider using public transport to remove the parking and driving stress altogether - it is also better for the environment.
Check the parking restrictions, as some paid bays often become free after a certain time of day.
