How you can SAVE money on your Christmas shopping trips this year – just by where you park the car
Avoiding packed shopping centre car parks can save you money in wasted fuel and overpriced parking meters. Here's how to save cash this Christmas
CHRISTMAS shoppers can save up extra cash for presents this year simply by being smart about where they park.
Instead of going straight to town centre car parks and spending hours looking for a spot drivers are being advised to pre-book local driveways.
And figures from YourParkingSpace.co.uk claims you can save up to £11 a trip by avoiding shopping centre bays.
Many of the available spaces are just a 10 to 15 minute walk from the shops meaning you don't have to waste fuel and time stuck in city one way systems and traffic jams.
The savings can be a welcome relief for the average UK family who splash out around £800 at Christmas.
The biggest saving can be made in Leeds where you'd have to pay £13.50 for six hours - but if you're happy to walk just 12 minutes you can park for the same length of time for just £2.50.
Savings can also be made at major shopping centres across the country like the Bullring in Birmingham and the Centrale and Whitgift centre in Croydon.
Harrison Woods, managing director at YourParkingSpace.co.uk, said: “Everyone loves a bargain when they go shopping but many car owners are overlooking a great saving opportunity when they park their car.
"Booking ahead and parking slightly away from the crowds often means less queuing to get in and out of congested car parks and paying on-the-day at busy ticket machines, so you could actually be saving time.
"We would urge shoppers to do some research before they head-off. Just a few minutes looking online could uncover some real parking bargains, leaving more money for Christmas shopping."