Parking fines estimated to cost tradespeople over £119 million a year

• Four in five (81%) tradespeople say they struggle to park at least once a week while working on a job 
• Tradespeople have been issued with an estimated 2.3 million parking fines over the past year, costing them in the region of £119 million
• Three quarters of tradespeople say that they have to park far away from their job sites at least once a week
• On average, tradespeople pay £443 for parking out of their own pocket in a typical year

Tradespeople across the UK are struggling with costly parking problems, according to new research1 from Direct Line business insurance. Over the past year, tradespeople are estimated to have been issued with 2.3 million2 parking tickets and fines, amounting to approximately £119 million3, highlighting the ongoing challenge of finding legal parking near job sites.

Over four in five (81%) tradespeople say that they find it hard to park at least once a week when on a job, with 75% not finding parking close to their workplace at least once a week. Almost half (48%) have turned down jobs because they couldn’t park within sight of their job site, citing concerns about tool theft. 

Tradespeople often struggle to unload and move heavy tools, equipment and supplies when they are unable to park close to where they are working. This is especially the case in urban areas where numerous parking and unloading restrictions apply. 

This not only results in delays and frustration but also takes a financial toll with tradespeople who are paying an average of £443 out of their own pocket in a typical year to park at jobs, and some are spending as much as £6,000 a year on parking. 

Depending on the severity of the parking contravention, Penalty Charge Notices, or parking fines, can be anywhere between £50 - £130 each outside London and up to £160 in the capital, but are normally halved if paid within 14 days. Almost three in 10 (28%)  tradespeople report that they have been clamped or towed whilst on the job.

Mark Summerville, Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance says: “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.”

For details on when you can and can’t park on double yellow lines see: When Can You Park Your Van On Double Yellow Lines? - Direct Line For Business

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Censuswide survey of 501 UK tradespeople (aged 18+), conducted 23rd July – 28th July 2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and is a member of the British Polling Council.

2. Calculated using the latest available ONS data for the Total employment working in Specialised Construction activities in the UK, 863,200 (SIC code 43, Group 432, 433 and 439) 2.76 (average number of parking fines per tradesperson) x 863,200 = 2,382,432 fines issued

3. Penalty Charge Notices, or parking fines, can generate anywhere between £50-£130 each outside London to £160 in the capital, but are normally halved if paid within 14 days. (2,382,432 fines x £50 = £119,121,600)

For further information, please contact:   

Unni Henry   

PR Manager  

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk   

About Direct Line business insurance    

Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance provides a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors and is part of the Aviva Group.  

Customers can find out more about Direct Line business insurance products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk