Crantock submitted by hamish : Crantock Holy Well on the corner of the parking area in the center of the village. (Vote or comment on this photo)
Parking well is an essential skill for any driver. Not only will it ensure that you don’t get any unwanted parking fines or tickets, but also will mean that your vehicle is safe and secure and not likely to be damaged by other drivers or passengers. Leaving your car in an unsafe place can be a dangerous hazard and it’s always a good idea to use dedicated car parks or parking areas to avoid any problems.
If you want to park for less, check out these NCP Parking deals from BravoVoucher at https://www.bravovoucher.co.uk/discount-code-ncp-parking.html so you can save yourself some money. We’ve also compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you park quickly and easily, and some suggestions on what you should avoid.
1. Take your time
Even if you’re in a rush for an important meeting or appointment, when it comes to parking a ‘less haste more speed’ approach is most likely to be effective. You’ll be able to park your vehicle more efficiently simply by taking your time while you maneuver. It’s also worth assessing the space you’re trying to park in for a short time before you make a move.
2. Don’t get distracted
Sometimes it’s easy to feel under pressure when you are parking, either because of other drivers or passengers in the area but if you try to stay focused and not get distracted or stressed by anything that’s happening around you, you’ll be able to focus on getting the job done more quickly and more easily.
3. Use your mirrors
This is probably one of the most important tips for any kind of parking situation. Make sure your mirrors are aligned correctly and using them will be a key factor in assisting you to park your vehicle well.
4. Be Patient
As well as being patient with others, it’s also important not to put too much pressure on yourself, even if you need to make more than one attempt at getting it right. Especially with parallel parking, a bit of trial and error is to be expected.
5. Spacing
Wherever you park, make sure you always leave enough space between your vehicle and others. Even if the space next to you is currently empty, it will probably be used by another driver at some point, so make sure you’re position is correct to avoid any unnecessary damage by opening car doors.
6. Avoid busy areas
Staying away from busy areas or times is a great way to take the hassle out of parking. Unless you have to be in a certain place at a certain time, take this into consideration when planning your journeys.
7. Take a detour
Looking for an empty space can sometimes be a challenge and this is another reason why it’s important to take your time and stay calm. If a car park seems to be full, taking a slow spin around could give you just enough time to find the perfect place to park.
8. Indicate
One of the main reasons that other drivers, or even pedestrians become impatient is because they perhaps do not understand that you are trying to park. Always use your indicators, especially when waiting for a space to become free to let others know that you intend to park.
9. Plan your journey
If you’re going out of town or visiting a new place, don’t wait until you arrive to look for parking. Doing a little research before you go will mean that you’ll already know what parking is available near your destination, making everything much easier.
10 Practise makes perfect
If you’re a new driver or need to brush up on your parking skills, taking the time to practice in a quiet area is a great way to improve both your skills and confidence. For some extra hints and tutorials, there are a lot of resources available on the official Theory Test website.