When you visit Britain, particularly London, it is not hard to see why people from all over the world love holidaying there. Whether it’s the historical sites, the museums and art galleries or the fine restaurants and other eateries there; you will never spend a dull moment in London. Although it is fun and exciting to make use of London UK car rental, as the city is very busy there are lots of considerations you need to make before arriving with regards to inner city driving.
Car Parks in London
Throughout London there is a large number of car parking facilities owned by a number of different companies. By far the most prominent and most popular is National Car Parks or NCP who have approximately 100 car parks in London. From the official NCP website you can find out lots information regarding London Heathrow and Gatwick Airport parking, finding London car parks and downloading the their free iPhone and Android parking mobile application.
Another company that runs 16 Central London situated car parking facilities. These can be found in the busy areas such as Knightsbridge, Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Park Lane and Oxford Street.
To help you plan your trip and parking ahead, use the website Parkapedia to find the relevant parking spaces within your chosen destination in London.
Street Parking in London
Although there are many streets in London where you are free to park, most adhere to parking restrictions between 8.30 am to 6.30 pm through Monday to Saturday. Rather than just presuming that the parking restrictions are the same for each and every street you try to park in you should look for the signs that give the specific details. Pay & Display is used on many roads and streets across London an enables you to park in that particular area, as long as you pay for a ticket and display it on the windscreen or dashboard.
In keeping with modern times and technology, a few London boroughs have begun operating phone parking schemes. These enable you to pay for your parking via your mobile phone. It should be noted though that normally you have to sign up and create an account and register either a debit or credit card to use this service.
London Parking Fines
If you park your car in an area or at a time of the day that is contrary to the specific traffic or parking restrictions, you will be given a PCN (Penalty Charge Notice). In many parts of the city, your car may be clamped; which is not ideal if it is a rental vehicle. All parking penalties and fines are given by the borough of the city that the parking offence happens.
Fines for parking violations are usually between £80 and £130, though there is a 50% applied if you are able to pay it within 14 days after it was issued. Fortunately you are generally able to pay fines in person, by post, phone or even online.
