Parking charges put off two-thirds of drivers from visiting their high street

• Two thirds of drivers (62 per cent) put off visiting their local high street due to parking charges
• Two in five say the cost of parking has risen in the past year
• Half (48 per cent) say they would shop locally more often if parking was cheaper
• The cost of high street parking is driving people to shop online and at retail outlets with free parking

Almost two thirds of drivers (62 per cent) say the cost of parking puts them off visiting the shops and businesses on their local high street reveals new research1 from Direct Line business insurance. Despite concerns over the ‘death of the high street’, parking charges continue to rise, with 42 per cent of drivers saying the cost of parking in high streets, villages and town centres around the UK has risen significantly in the past year.

The cost of high street parking is directly impacting where people choose to shop. Over half of drivers (56 per cent) say it makes them more likely to visit a supermarket with free parking, a further 52 per cent say that it makes them more likely to go to out-of-town shopping centres with free parking and 44 per cent say it drives them to shop more online. 

The price of parking near local shops varies from £2.50 an hour on average in London, to £0.90 an hour in Northern Ireland. The majority of drivers, 82 per cent (35 million UK drivers) believe councils should help to save the high street by offering free parking. 

Table One: Average cost of high street parking per hour

Source: Direct Line business insurance 2025

As well as the cost of parking, a lack of parking availability and restrictions such as 30-minute maximum stays are also a disincentive to shop locally – with 62 per cent of drivers saying it puts them off.

Food shopping is the single biggest reason for visiting local shops (60 per cent). Highlighting how high streets are increasingly dominated by cafes and coffee shops these now account for 44 per cent of visits. Clothing stores are the inspiration for around a third of visits (36 per cent) while personal care, such as haircuts, beauty salons and nail bars account for 27 per cent of visits.

Table Two: Shops frequented by people visiting their local shops

Source: Direct Line business insurance 2025

Mark Summerville, SME Product Manager at Direct Line Business insurance commented: 

"Whilst councils are under increasing financial pressure and are keen to maximise their revenue, increasing parking charges may be a double-edged sword. It is clear that many people do want to support their local shops and businesses but are being put off by the cost of parking. Keeping charges down, or lowering them, could help revive high streets, encourage local businesses to stay open and create additional employment – all of which may also boost council revenues.”

ENDS

Notes to editors 

1. The research was conducted by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults. The data was collected between 31st January and 4th February 2025. Opinium abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles and is a member of the British Polling Council

For further information please contact:   

Direct Line Group    

Unni Henry    

PR Manager   

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk    

About Direct Line business insurance  

Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance now has over half a million customer policies, providing a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors.  

Direct Line business insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  

Direct Line business insurance and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.  

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.