The UK cities where finding a car parking space is least likely
New research from leasing expert Autotrader reveals the UK cities where finding a parking space is most stressful.
Their analysis compares the number of parking spaces available (sourced via Parkopedia) across the UK’s most densely populated cities against car ownership levels, identifying where car parking supply is highest, and where it falls short.
UK cities with the least available parking
Bradford ranks as the most difficult city for parking, with just 85 spaces available per 1,000 cars, based on 18,394 spaces serving around 215,600 vehicles. In busy areas such as Broadway Shopping Centre and along key routes like Leeds Road, limited capacity means drivers are likely to spend longer searching for a space.
Sunderland follows, with 99 spaces per 1,000 cars across 11,461 parking spaces and approximately 115,500 vehicles. Pressure is often felt around the city centre and major landmarks such as the Stadium of Light.
Leeds ranks third, offering 140 spaces per 1,000 cars, with 44,735 spaces serving around 319,600 vehicles. Demand in the city centre and around destinations like Trinity Leeds can make parking particularly competitive.
Sheffield comes next, with 143 spaces per 1,000 cars from a total of 31,372 spaces. Birmingham completes the bottom five, with 153 spaces per 1,000 cars across 61,877.
UK cities with the most available parking
Manchester, home to Autotrader’s headquarters, emerges as the UK’s easiest city for parking, with an impressive 736 spaces available per 1,000 cars. With 120,265 spaces serving around 163,500 vehicles, drivers benefit from significantly greater availability compared to other major cities.
London ranks second, offering 419 spaces per 1,000 cars from 30,827 spaces and approximately 73,500 vehicles. Leicester takes third place, with 361 spaces per 1,000 cars across 45,426 spaces and around 125,700 vehicles.
Nottingham follows with 303 spaces per 1,000 cars, Newcastle completes the top five, offering 294 spaces per 1,000 cars.
UK cities with the highest parking costs
London stands out as the most expensive city to park in, with an average price of £14, more than double the overall average of £7 and significantly higher than any other city.
Brighton & Hove follows as the second most expensive, with average parking costs reaching £12, while Salford (£9) and Birmingham (£8) also rank among the pricier cities for drivers.
In contrast, several cities offer far more affordable parking options. Sunderland is the cheapest city analysed, with an average price of just £2, followed by Coventry, Milton Keynes, Plymouth and Sheffield, all averaging around £3.
Finding a parking space can be one of the most stressful parts of driving, especially in busy towns and cities where demand is high and space is limited. What this data shows is that not all cities are created equal when it comes to parking. While some benefit from better infrastructure or greater availability, others are facing a real imbalance between the number of drivers and the spaces available to them. Planning ahead and using car parking tools can help reduce some of that stress.
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