HOW TO PARK FOR FREE?

 Every day, it’s the same battle. You’re fighting against hundreds of drivers to park without blowing your budget. You circle around for hours, sometimes without success. Tired of wasting fuel searching for a free parking spot? Don’t want to pay exorbitant parking fees? We’ve got you covered! Read on for our tips to park for free and save money!

1 — VISIT YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL WEBSITE

Did you know? Most councils dedicate a section of their website to parking information. On these digital platforms, you can find lists of paid parking areas, their rates, and their locations. What’s more, they also list permanent free parking spots and temporary spaces.

Does your city not have a website? Can’t find the information online? In that case, call your local council’s office or visit them in person if you prefer.

2 — USE FREE PARKING WITH SHUTTLES

Living in a large city? Most such urban areas offer free parking outside the city limits. To compensate for the distance from the city centre, regular shuttles provide free transport for all users. Want to use one of these parking areas? Search for these locations on Google Maps or call the city council.

Good to Know: If you can’t find a parking spot with a free shuttle, you can park in a park-and-ride facility. These spaces are less expensive than central city parking. You can then reach your destination using public transport.

3 — EXPLORE COLLABORATIVE PLATFORMS

To find free parking spaces, explore collaborative platforms. What are they? On these community spaces, users share tips for parking at minimal costs. You can find these groups on Facebook or Instagram. Additionally, some generous users post this information on dedicated blogs.

Want another tip? Install a mobile app like Seety. This type of app, available on iPhone and Android, helps you find free parking spots in over 250 cities across France. You can also pay for paid parking directly through the app.

4 — REDISCOVER THE PLEASURE OF WALKING

To save on parking and stay healthy, invest in a good pair of shoes. Rediscover the joy of walking by parking in peripheral areas where free parking is available. Then, reach your destination on foot.

According to experts, walking benefits cardiovascular health. It lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart disease or stroke, and is excellent for mental health as 30 minutes of daily walking alleviates stress, anxiety, and depression by stimulating endorphin release. Walking daily also improves sleep quality, posture, muscle strength, and joint health.

5 — OBSERVE THE SIGNAGE

To avoid unpleasant surprises, learn to recognise parking signs and road markings. For example, easily identify blue zones by looking for blue dashed lines. In these areas, you can park for free for a limited time, provided you place a parking disc behind your windscreen to show your arrival time to the parking wardens.

Good to Know: Before parking, check for parking meters by looking for signs displaying such logos. Also, observe road markings.

You’ve just discovered 5 tips for parking for free. Wondering how to know if a parking spot is free? Check the signage. You'll find information on specific hours during which parking is free in certain areas, such as evenings, weekends, or public holidays. It all depends on the local council and the location.

Need one last tip to save even more? Consider carpooling or using public transport more regularly.