Parking Features in Europe
Parking in Europe is no simple matter, but still feasible. There are many comers per square meter, so any openings fill up instantly. What can I say if Europeans are already actively building parking on the roofs of shopping centers, administrative and public buildings? So how should you park? Where to look for that perfect place under the sun? Let's talk about everything.
Free parking
We note immediately that there are very few such parking lots, especially in the city center. Traditionally, free parking is marked with white markings. If you see it, you will notice that there are no barriers, parking meters or corresponding signs. Free parking is mainly located near supermarkets, shopping centers, beaches. You can, of course, shelter somewhere in a quiet courtyard or residential quarter. But be prepared that some conscious citizen will report this activity to the appropriate authorities.
Some parking lots are free but are limited in how much time that you can park there. To do this, you will need a special dial, which marks the beginning of the parking period. You can buy it at a gas station or at a "tabaccaio". In such parking lots there is always a sign on which the same disc is drawn and the time in hours or minutes is indicated. If you are late, then on the windshield you will see a "hello" from the inspector in the form of a fine of about 20-40 euros.
Paid parking
As already mentioned, car parking in Europe is a pleasure to pay for. The average cost of one hour of parking is 3 euros. London is considered the most expensive city - the price for parking here reaches 8 euros. By the way, one day of parking in the British capital is equal to 30% of the average daily income.
Paid parking is usually indicated by a blue line. In each such zone there is a board on which working hours, payment methods and other details are indicated. Almost everywhere in Europe paid parking is for daytime hours. In the evening, as if by fairy, they turn into free. Leaving the car for the night, pay attention to the schedule indicated on the sign. And most importantly, do not oversleep: in the morning the police can make fines or call a tow truck.
Parking Park & Ride
Another fairly inexpensive way to park is the so-called Park & Ride car parks. As a rule, they are located at the entrance to the city, near public stops and subway stations. This practice is quite popular in Europe: Park & Ride parking allows you to decrease traffic and reduce traffic jams. The idea is that the driver is invited to leave the car in the parking lot and change to public transport. In addition, there is also a discount on bus, tram or metro fares.
Such parking is inexpensive, almost a penny. In some places, it may be completely free. Often, local authorities themselves encourage drivers to use this type of parking. For example, in Milan Park & Ride costs 2 euros per day, and if you leave a car for a week, then pay only 6 euros. In some European cities, such parking may be limited in time (from 2 to 6 hours).
What are the fines for violation
The penalty for improper or over 20 minutes parking is an average of 40 euros. You will be notified of this by a ticket under the windshield wiper or the problem will be solved with the help of a tow truck. Of the more “barbaric” ones, they can block the wheel, and removing this “chastity belt” will be possible only after paying the fine. Yes, and in civilized Europe it is, albeit a rarity. Always park your rented car in Europe carefully, do not occupy two parking spaces at the same time - this will result in a fine plus moral condemnation. In any case never park in places for the disabled without an appropriate placard. With this, Europe is very strict and violators can be fined several hundred euros.