Parking Nightmares

Parking can be a headache. There are no two ways about it, especially if you’re trying to park somewhere new. Not knowing the rules or security of a parking spot could result in a ticket or even put your car at risk of crime.

We, the temporary car insurance experts at Tempcover, have revealed the areas with the highest number of police force-issued parking offences in England, as well as the places with the most vehicle offences.

The top 10 parking offence hotspots in England

The latest government data shows that parking-related offences, such as causing an obstruction, violating waiting restrictions, and parking illegally, surged to 20,547 incidents in 2023 – an 11% increase from the previous year.

1. Police force: Merseyside

   Obstruction, waiting and parking offences per 100,000 people: 211.7

2. Police force: Cambridgeshire

   Obstruction, waiting and parking offences per 100,000 people: 176.0

3. Police force: South Yorkshire

   Obstruction, waiting and parking offences per 100,000 people: 99.9

4. Police force: Cheshire

   Obstruction, waiting and parking offences per 100,000 people: 84.5

5. Police force: Norfolk

   Obstruction, waiting and parking offences per 100,000 people: 53.3

6. Police force: West Yorkshire

   Obstruction, waiting and parking offences per 100,000 people: 52.5.

7. Police force: Greater Manchester

   Obstruction, waiting and parking offences per 100,000 people: 211.7

8. Police force: Metropolitan Police.

   Obstruction, waiting and parking offences per 100,000 people: 47.4

9. Police force: Warwickshire

   Obstruction, waiting and parking offences per 100,000 people: 40.0

10. Police force: Lancashire

    Obstruction, waiting and parking offences per 100,000 people: 37.1

Merseyside | 211.7 offences per 100,000 people

Merseyside has the highest number of parking offences in England, with almost 212 per 100,000 people — nearly 20% higher than Cambridgeshire in second place.

Liverpool, as the biggest city in the region, is likely a driving factor in this figure. With its busy city centre, major transport hubs like Lime Street Station, and tourist hotspots such as the Albert Dock, demand for parking may outweigh supply. Drivers may often resort to parking in restricted zones, blocking roads, or overstaying in limited-time bays. 

Cambridgeshire | 176.0 offences per 100,000 people

Cambridgeshire is in second place with 176 obstructions, waiting and parking offences per 100,000 people. 

Cambridge has a historic city centre with narrow streets and pedestrian-priority zones, meaning car parking can be extremely limited. While the local council does run a Park & Ride system, it seems many drivers still take their chances parking illegally.

South Yorkshire | 99.9 offences per 100,000 people

South Yorkshire comes in third with just under 100 offences per 100,000 people, but that’s still a big drop compared to Merseyside and Cambridgeshire.

This police force covers areas like Doncaster and Sheffield, with the latter being home to busy leisure parks and arenas. 

Where are parking offences rising the fastest?

1. South Yorkshire

• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2018): 265
• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2023): 1,405
• % increase in number of offences from 2018-2023: 430%

2. Norfolk

• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2018): 146
• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2023): 497
• % increase in number of offences from 2018-2023: 240%

3. Nottinghamshire

• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2018): 8
• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2023): 22
• % increase in number of offences from 2018-2023: 175%

4. Lincolnshire

• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2018): 21
• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2023): 51
• % increase in number of offences from 2018-2023: 143%

5. North Yorkshire

• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2018): 120
• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2023): 288
• % increase in number of offences from 2018-2023: 140%

6. Staffordshire

• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2018): 57
• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2023): 128
• % increase in number of offences from 2018-2023: 125%

7. Dorset

• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2018): 30
• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2023): 62
• % increase in number of offences from 2018-2023: 107%

8. Derbyshire

• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2018): 36
• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2023): 70
• % increase in number of offences from 2018-2023: 94%

9. Merseyside

• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2018): 2,448
• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2023): 3,083
• % increase in number of offences from 2018-2023: 26%

10. Metropolitan Police

• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2018): 3,106
• Number of obstruction, waiting and parking offences (2023): 3,805
• % increase in number of offences from 2018-2023: 23%

1. South Yorkshire | 430% increase in number of offences from 2018-2023

South Yorkshire tops the list for parking violations, with a staggering 430% increase in parking offences over a five-year period. The police force recorded a total of 1,405 cases in 2023 – equating to 99.9 parking-related offences per 100,000 people – and 265 in 2018. 

2. Norfolk | 240% increase in number of offences from 2018-2023

Norfolk ranks second, with a 240% increase in recorded violations since 2018. In 2023, the police force prosecuted 53.3 parking-related offences per 100,000 people, resulting in 497 in total, while this figure was just 146 in 2018.

3. Nottinghamshire | 175% increase in number of offences from 2018-2023

Nottinghamshire completes the top three, with a 175% surge in parking violations since 2018. In 2023, the police force prosecuted 22 vehicle-related parking offences, equating to 1.9 offences per 100,000 people – an increase from 0.7 per 100,000 in 2018. 

To tackle this rising number of parking offences, Claire Wills-Mckissick, vehicle insurance expert at Tempcover, commented:

“To help avoid parking fines, drivers should take the time to familiarise themselves with the meanings behind waiting and parking signs, ensuring they don’t stop in restricted areas or park on streets where it’s prohibited during certain hours.

“Referring to the Highway Code is a great way to gain valuable insights into parking rules, as parking regulations can change frequently. Staying informed about local restrictions can also help to avoid unexpected fines and ensure you’re following the latest guidelines.

“Where possible, using digital parking apps can make parking easier by helping drivers locate legal spaces, pay conveniently, and set reminders to avoid overstaying.”

Areas with the most vehicle crimes

Between April 2023 and March 2024, over 397,000 vehicle crimes were reported across 172 local authorities.

Using available ONS data, we’ve found the areas in England with the highest rate of vehicle offences per vehicle miles for the year 2023–24.

The top 10 areas with the highest vehicle offence rates per vehicle

1. Local authority: Haringey

   Estimated annual vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 318,100,000
   Vehicle offences* (2023 – 24): 4,008
   Offences per million vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 12.6

2. Local authority: Camden

   Estimated annual vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 273,800,000
   Vehicle offences* (2023 – 24): 3,079
   Offences per million vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 11

3. Local authority: Islington

   Estimated annual vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 225,500,000
   Vehicle offences* (2023 – 24): 2,251
   Offences per million vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 110.0

4. Local authority: Kensington and Chelsea

   Estimated annual vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 306,500,000
   Vehicle offences* (2023 – 24): 3,023
   Offences per million vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 9.9

5. Local authority: Hammersmith and Fulham

   Estimated annual vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 299,600,000
   Vehicle offences* (2023 – 24): 2,945
   Offences per million vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 9.8

6. Local authority: Westminster

   Estimated annual vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 448,300,000
   Vehicle offences* (2023 – 24): 4,336
   Offences per million vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 9.7

7. Local authority: Hackney

   Estimated annual vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 271,900,000
   Vehicle offences* (2023 – 24): 2,567
   Offences per million vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 9.4

8. Local authority: Newham

   Estimated annual vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 554,000,000
   Vehicle offences* (2023 – 24): 4,821
   Offences per million vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 8.7

9. Local authority: Wandsworth

   Estimated annual vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 452,600,000
   Vehicle offences* (2023 – 24): 3,839
   Offences per million vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 8.5

10. Local authority: Lewisham

    Estimated annual vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 445,200,000
    Vehicle offences* (2023 – 24): 3,240
    Offences per million vehicle miles (2023 – 24): 7.3

*Vehicle offences include: aggravated vehicle theft, theft from a vehicle, unlawful taking or theft of a motor vehicle, and vehicle interference (such as breaking into or vandalising a vehicle).

The data shows that all 10 local authorities with the highest vehicle crime rates are boroughs of London, which may be due to urban density, high traffic, and population size – factors that increase opportunities for vehicle crime. 

• Haringey has the highest vehicle crime rate, with 12.6 offences per million vehicle miles. In 2023-24, 4,008 vehicle offences were recorded.
• Camden follows closely with a vehicle crime rate of 11.3 offences per million vehicle miles. 3,079 vehicle offences were recorded between the years 2023-24.
• Islington is in third, with 10.0 offences per million vehicle miles. For the year 2023-24, 2,251 vehicle offences were recorded in the area.

In contrast, rural areas in Wales, such as Ceredigion, experience fewer vehicle crimes – only 0.09 per million vehicle miles. This could be due to lower population density, less traffic, and reduced anonymity, making opportunistic offences less likely.

Claire Wills-Mckissick comments:

“Both drivers and local authorities have an important role to play in reducing vehicle crime. Drivers can minimise the risk of theft by parking in secure locations, using anti-theft devices, and staying vigilant. If the unexpected happens and your car is stolen, temporary car insurance is one option that can help by allowing you to borrow a car from friends or family, easing the pressure during what is likely to be a stressful time. 

“Local authorities can make a difference by increasing police presence, improving CCTV surveillance, and raising public awareness. Together, these efforts can help reduce vehicle crime.”