Mastering the Maze of Christmas Shopping Parking

Most of us are deep into the Christmas shopping frenzy by now, and for those braving the bustling, festive streets, it can be "snow joke" trying to find a parking spot in a busy shopping centre or street. IAM RoadSmart has some top tips to help your journey go smoothly.

Stay Up to Date

Firstly, is it safe to drive? Check the weather report for your area before you set off. If conditions are severe, heed police advice and avoid travelling. However, if you must go out, drive safely with extra caution on icy roads.

Can I park here?

Choose the most suitable car park and parking bay to ensure safety for you and your vehicle. If possible, reverse into a parking bay so you can drive out easily. This is safer for you and everyone around you. If you must drive in, take extra care when turning out.

Parallel parking

When parallel parking, select a space large enough for you to manoeuvre in and out of comfortably. A space one and a half times your vehicle's length should suffice. Adjusting your nearside mirror downwards will help you monitor the kerb but remember to adjust it back afterwards.

Managing on the Road

If you need to turn your vehicle around, try going around the block or to the next roundabout. This minimises disruption to other vehicles and is safer for you and other road users. If you must reverse on the main road or into a side road, look and listen very carefully throughout your manoeuvre. If anything is moving, stop and reassess your situation.

Slow Down

Don’t rush as you might overlook hazards. Trying to park or manoeuvre in a hurry could mean that you miss the opportunity to see hazards, especially in more dynamic and busy areas such as shopping centre car parks or urban streets.

Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart's Chief Examiner, says: “Finding the perfect spot to park your car during the busy Christmas shopping season is a skill that improves with practice, maybe you can pre-book a space if you are travelling up town. With time, everyone can master reversing or parallel parking, but under the pressure of Christmas shopping traffic is not the best time to practice. It's all about building confidence and maintaining keen observation. "If you're ever unsure, stop and take a moment to check. A few seconds of caution can save you from dealing with potential damage. Don’t be shy of using park and ride or allowing the train to take the strain, it may make you day a more enjoyable experience.”

For more information and help with parking, check out our handy YouTube video.