Parking can be one of the most stressful parts of driving yet with the right tools you can turn every parking experience into a simple breeze. In this guide we cover essential tools for stress free parking so you can find a spot quickly manoeuvre with confidence and pay without hassle.
1. Parking Finder Apps
Why you need them
Finding a free or affordable spot is the first hurdle. Parking finder apps use realtime data to show available spaces and pricing so you never circle the block unnecessarily.
Top picks
- Parkopedia – Covers over 70 million parking spots worldwide with filters for price covered parking and EV charging stations.
- JustPark – Lets you book private driveways and public car parks in advance often at a discount.
- PayByPhone – Combines spot finding with seamless payment and session extension by phone.
How to use them
- Enter your destination address.
- Filter by price distance or facilities.
- Book or set a reminder so you arrive before your reservation expires.
2. GPS Navigation with Parking Integration
Key benefit
Standard navigation apps show you how to get somewhere but those with parking integration guide you directly to available spaces.
Recommended options
- Google Maps – Offers parking difficulty estimates in city centres and links to parking apps.
- Waze – Community driven alerts include tips on where locals tend to park.
- TomTom Go – Provides live parking availability data in select cities and garage pricing.
Tip
Enable “avoid tolls and traffic” settings to reduce time spent in congestion looking for parking.
3. In-Car Parking Sensors and Cameras
Why they matter
Even if you find the perfect spot a tight space or awkward angle can cause anxiety. Built in sensors and cameras help you navigate without guesswork.
Popular features
- Rear view cameras – Offer a clear view of obstacles behind you when reversing.
- 360 degree surround view – Combines front rear and side camera feeds to create a bird’s eye view.
- Ultrasonic sensors – Alert you with beeps when you approach walls or other vehicles.
DIY upgrades
Many garages and online retailers offer plug and play sensor kits that you can fit yourself or have installed professionally.
4. Smart Parking Locks and Covers
What they do
I-driveways and reserved bays often lie empty because drivers cannot be sure a space will still be free when they return. Smart parking locks reserve a space and notify you if anyone tampers with it.
How they work
- You place an electronic lock in your reserved bay.
- The device connects via Bluetooth to your phone.
- If someone tries to move it you receive an alert.
Benefits
This is ideal for homeowners renting out a driveway or for shared parking schemes at offices and apartment blocks.
5. Payment and Permit Management Tools
Streamline payments
Modern pay and display apps let you pay by phone card or wallet without coins or paper tickets. Many also send reminders before your session ends.
Permit organiser
Keep digital copies of resident or visitor permits in an app or secure folder. If a permit requires display simply place your phone in a windscreen friendly holder and show the screen when asked.
6. Portable Phone Mount and Charger
Ease and safety
A reliable phone mount keeps your device in view so you can follow navigation or parking apps hands free. A fast charger ensures your phone never runs out of battery mid search.
Best practices
- Use a mount that attaches to your air vent or dash for stability.
- Opt for a 3 amp or higher charger that fast charges compatible phones.
- Choose mounts with adjustable grips to fit all phone sizes and cases.
7. Parking Disc and Reminder Apps
For free timed bays
In many towns free on street parking requires you to display a parking disc showing your time of arrival.
How to simplify
- Carry a compact plastic disc in your glove box.
- Or use a parking reminder app that records when you park and sets an alarm before your time limit expires.
8. Dashcam for Incident Recording
Why install one
A dashcam records any collisions or disputes that may occur while parking or manoeuvring. This footage can protect you against false claims and demonstrate liability.
Key features to look for
- Continuous loop recording with date and time stamp.
- Parking mode that senses motion and records even when the engine is off.
- Wide angle lens for full coverage of surrounding lanes and pedestrian areas.
9. Vehicle Technology Aids
Adaptive park assist
Some modern cars offer semi automated parking that steers into spaces while you control speed.
Head up display
Keeps your speed and sensor warnings in your line of sight so you do not have to look down at screens.
10. Putting It All Together
- Plan ahead with a parking finder and navigation app.
- Use in car sensors and cameras to park precisely and safely.
- Pay seamlessly with a dedicated payment app or permit manager.
- Stay prepared with a phone mount charger and dashcam.
- Leverage vehicle technology for assisted parking whenever available.