There is nothing more frustrating than driving in circles looking for an elusive parking spot. It can be a stressful and unrewarding quest at times but by being strategic and smart about it you can increase your chances of finding a parking spot quickly and efficiently. Here are some tips and tricks to follow so you can be a pro-parker in no time.
Perfect Your Hovering Skills
If you’re looking for a spot in a car park or parking lot, then driving around the lot over and over again isn’t going to get you anywhere. The trick to finding a space in this situation is to hover so that you can see and take a spot as soon as it becomes available. In order to have the most success from hovering, it’s best to hover in an area where you can see a lot of car spaces, so usually toward the back of the row. This means you can keep an eye on more cars and increase your chances of finding a spot. And never wait behind another hovering car! Instead, pick a different spot to wait.
Know Where To Look
Part of finding a perfect parking spot is knowing where to look when there aren’t many parks available. For example, in the carparks of shopping centers, most people tend to park as close to the entrance as possible and this is where the majority of people first go when they’re looking for a park. On busy days, avoid these areas and instead look for spots close to the exits. Another tip is to head straight to the top (or bottom levels if underground) in multi-level car parks rather than searching the first few levels which will invariably be more filled up.
Use Apps
Technology is your friend when it comes to finding a park. There are plenty of apps out there that can help you check the prices of parking in different areas to compare rates and see how busy certain car parks are. Parkhound uses your location to find nearby parking spots and display their prices. Users of the app can rent out their free car spots and make them available to other users. This means that you could guarantee that you’ll always have a parking spot by renting out a long-term parking space. By downloading apps like these you can increase your chance of finding the perfect spot before you’ve even left the house.
Understand Parking Restrictions
Another part of finding the perfect car spot comes from knowing where you can and can’t park and understanding the different parking restrictions and traffic rules that might apply in certain areas. This will save you wasting time parking somewhere only to realize it’s actually not a legal spot. For example, you cannot park in bus or taxi zones, within 20m of an intersecting road at an intersection with traffic lights, within 3 meters of a post box, within 20 meters before a zebra crossing and within 1 meter of a fire hydrant. And those are just a few! Remember once you’ve parked (or before if possible) to always check the signs and how long you can legally park there for.
Also, read: 4 Simple Ways to Extend the Life of a Used Car
Pre-pay For Parking
If attending a big event, like a sporting match, concert or conference, you can organize to prepay for parking before online to save you the hassle of paying for and finding a spot when you arrive. Most parking garages now allow you to prepay for parking at a fixed rate, guaranteeing you a spot.
Early Bird Gets The Worm
If you know that you’re going to an event or an area that’s going to be packed full of people, then heighten your chances of finding the perfect car spot by leaving early and before peak hour. While it might mean you have more time to kill at your destination, it means that you’ll save time driving around in the car looking for a park.
Stay Calm
Your chances of finding a spot decrease significantly the more stressed and agitated you get. Remain calm, even if you can’t find a spot, and make a conscious effort to keep driving safely and obey road rules. Parking rage is a real thing and it’s best if you avoid it at all costs. If you’re getting impatient hovering, or if you can’t find a park anywhere then pull over and take a breather. Look at one of your apps and start your search again after a few calming minutes.
Ellie Saunders is a young mother who is passionate about digital businesses. She is currently enjoying her marketing role at eVoice, a place where businesses can get virtual and toll free numbers.
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