London Parking

The City of London, also known as the Square Mile, is the financial district and historic centre of London. The whole of the City of London is a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), meaning that every street is subject to parking restrictions, which usually apply from 7am to 7pm on weekdays, and 7am to 11am on Saturdays - although some locations have different schedules, which you can find displayed on signs. 

Pay and Display parking in the City of London is charged at £6.80 an hour, although if your vehicle has lower emissions, you may be eligible for a discount. You can find more information about eligibility for discounts on the City of London website. Car parks tend to cost a similar amount unless pre-booked.

Something else to watch out for in London is the Red Routes. Marked by painted red lines, these roads make up just 5% of London’s total road length, but carry 30% of the city’s traffic. They have strictly enforced rules, often including tight restrictions on stopping and parking. Drivers who fail to follow the instructions on signs can expect to receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

If this all sounds like more stress than it’s worth, find and rent a parking space on YourParkingSpace. You could save yourself some valuable time - and money!

London’s attractions need no introduction. From Buckingham Palace and Big Ben to Tower Bridge and Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, the city is full of iconic sights to see. Visitors also love to shop on Oxford Street, enjoy the bright lights in Piccadilly Circus, or take in some art at one of the city’s impressive art galleries, including The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Whitechapel Gallery.  

London also has an enchanting collection of museums, such as the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Even better, they’re free! 

YourParkingSpace lists convenient and cheap parking in London available to book in advance. Reserve a spot within walking distance of your favourite London attraction and take the hassle out of your day out.

London has a well-established public transport system. The London Underground - better known by its nickname, the Tube - was the world’s first underground passenger railway, opening its doors in 1863. It now serves nearly 300 stations across 11 lines.  

Perhaps even better known are London’s iconic red buses. The city has more than 8000 buses, which serve over 700 different routes.

Electric vehicles are vital to the Mayor’s plan for London to become a zero-carbon city by 2050. As such, there is a developing network of charge points across London: there are currently more than 150, and that number is increasing rapidly. 

You can now charge your car in central locations, with charging points near Leicester Square, Waterloo, and even just outside the Barbican Centre. 

To find your nearest charging point, head to the government’s Go Ultra Low website.

The Blue Badge aims to make parking easier for eligible disabled people. However, in Central London, the standard entitlements found across the rest of the UK do not apply. 

The boroughs in which Blue Badge parking concessions do not apply are: 

• City of Westminster
• Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
• City of London Corporation
• London Borough of Camden (south of Euston Road) 

However, you can find Blue Badge parking bays in all these areas. 

Did you know that Blue Badge holders can register to get a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge? You can find more information about this on the Transport for London website.

In the City of London, you can park in Pay and Display bays for free after 7pm and before 8am. Parking is also free on Sundays, bank holidays, and after 11am on Saturdays. Other boroughs have similar rules, but be sure to check the signs for the area you are parking in. 

Due to the restricted parking times overnight parking tends to only be available until approximately 8am the following morning (if at all).  

These free parking spaces are extremely sought after, so be prepared to search!

If you want to be sure of finding a space, see what’s available on YourParkingSpace.

If you are lucky enough to have your own parking space or garage in London, you could be using it to make an easy extra income. Go to our Space Owners page and list your unused London parking space for free. If you set your price competitively, that space won’t be empty for long! 

Areas of London where motorists are always searching for parking spaces include around stations and just outside the Congestion Charge Zone, as many commuters drive part of the way to work before leaving their car and continuing on foot or by public transport.

Can you park on the pavement in the UK?

Parking on the pavement is not illegal outside London. However, some local councils have prohibited it. If you are in an area where you are allowed to park on the pavement, make sure you don’t leave your car in a dangerous or obstructive position, as you could receive a fine.

In London, however, it is illegal to park on the pavement.

What is the London Congestion Charge?

The London Congestion Charge is set at £11.50, and it applies to most vehicles driving within the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) in Central London between 7am and 6pm on weekdays. There is no charge on weekends, public holidays, or from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day. Be sure to check whether your route takes you within the CCZ before you travel.

Can you park on single yellow lines in London?

You cannot park on a single yellow line during controlled hours. However, unless there are kerb markings, you can load or unload your vehicle.

Parking is prohibited on double yellow lines at all times.

Is there free parking in London?

No one likes to pay for parking, but the simple answer to this question is: no, you can't really find free parking in London. Although there are some roads that allow free parking in the evenings or at weekends, Controlled Parking Zones mean that restrictions are tight and spots are highly sought after.

For streets with no parking restrictions at all, you will have to head towards outer London. Alternatively, keep things simple by finding a parking space for rent on YourParkingSpace.