New research reveals the ongoing struggle for tradespeople to find legal parking near job sites, forcing some to turn down work and absorb rising costs.

Tradespeople across the UK are paying a heavy price for parking difficulties, with fines and charges costing an estimated £119 million over the past year, according to new research from Direct Line Business Insurance.

The figures suggest that more than 2.3 million parking tickets were issued to tradespeople in the last 12 months, underlining the daily challenges they face working in congested towns and cities.

Four in five tradespeople (81%) said they struggle to find legal parking at least once a week, while three-quarters (75%) admitted they frequently can’t park close enough to their job site.

Almost half (48%) have even turned down jobs because they couldn’t park within sight of their vehicle, citing tool theft as a major concern.

The cost of parking adds further strain, with tradespeople paying an average of £443 per year out of pocket, with some spending as much as £6,000 annually to park while working.

Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) vary depending on the location and severity of the offence, typically ranging from £50 to £130 outside London, and up to £160 in the capital. Fines are often reduced by half if paid within 14 days.

The issue extends beyond fines, with nearly 3 in 10 tradespeople (28%) reporting that they’ve been clamped or towed while on a job.

Mark Summerville, Product Manager at Direct Line Business Insurance, said: “Parking or off-loading tools and equipment close to a job can often be a challenge for tradespeople, adding stress to their working day.

To avoid unnecessary fines and disruptions, it’s worth checking local restrictions before starting a job and asking customers about parking permits if available.”