Over the past year, an estimated 2.3 million parking fines have been issued to tradespeople, costing around £119 million in total. With limited access to suitable parking near job sites, many are finding that simply getting to work is one of the toughest parts of the job.

More than four in five (81%) tradespeople say they struggle to park at least once a week while working, while three-quarters (75%) report having to park far from their job site on a weekly basis. Nearly half (48%) admit to turning down jobs altogether because they couldn’t park within sight of their tools or van — a key concern given ongoing issues with tool theft.

The parking challenge is particularly acute in urban areas, where loading restrictions and permit zones often make it difficult to stop close to the worksite. Many tradespeople face the added burden of lugging heavy tools and materials long distances before they can even start the job.

On top of lost time and inconvenience, there’s a growing financial toll. Tradespeople spend an average of £443 a year from their own pocket on parking costs, with some shelling out as much as £6,000 annually.

Depending on the offence, Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) can range from £50–£130 outside London and up to £160 in the capital, though fines are typically reduced if paid within 14 days. Almost three in ten (28%) tradespeople say they have been clamped or towed while on the 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 parking restrictions before starting a job. Where possible, always check with the customer about on-street parking restrictions in the area and request a guest or visitor permit if available. Taking these steps can help reduce the risk of unexpected costs and delays, allowing tradespeople to focus on getting the job done.”