The staggering short-stay parking fees to avoid this Easter – will they spoil your vacation plans?

As the Easter holidays approach, many families will be looking to explore the tourist traps around the country.

Getting to your destination can be difficult enough at times, but then of course there’s the pain of finding parking without having to pay a small fortune.

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With the current cost of living crisis, it was more important than ever to avoid the overwhelming charges for short-term parking, particularly in some of the UK’s most popular cities.

Short-stay train station parking in two of the UK’s most popular city break locations – Leeds and Liverpool – underscores the need to plan ahead and resist the temptation to just snag a spot in the city centre.

Liverpool welcomed more than 42.19 million tourists in 2021, while Leeds is now becoming more attractive to visitors too.

However, both have short-stay car parks at the station, which are among the most expensive in the country, charging a ridiculous £135 for just eight hours.

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The third most expensive dedicated car park for the same eight-hour period is in London’s Knightsbridge, but even when additional congestion charge and ULEZ costs are factored in, this is still £47.50 cheaper than Liverpool and Leeds.

Lee Puffett, managing director of Start Rescue, said: “We will be ready to support customers during the traditionally busy Easter period, but just as important is making sure your car is fully prepared for a trip… it’s also important to have something to do.” Do your research, especially if you plan to drive into a popular city center.

“Some of these fees are high even by short-term standards and will not make anyone’s vacation better.

Additionally, many car parks are now cashless so it’s advisable to download the app and ensure payment instructions are understood in advance if you can.