Motorists parking on driveways in a bid to save cash this Christmas

Drivers are shunning expensive city centre car parks in favour of private driveways and parking bays. 

The online parking portal YourParkingSpace.co.uk says it has already seen a 35 per cent increase in bookings in December, as drivers choose to privately rent spaces rather than using a conventional car park.

>>> The Honest John guide to cheap airport parking

Visitors to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland in London, for example could pay £10 for a five-hour stay in the run up to Christmas - a saving of more than £25 compared to an official car park nearby. Parking spaces within a five minute's stroll of Birmingham's Christmas markets, meanwhile, can be found for less than £4.

In Edinburgh drivers can park for up to six hours for £9.50 when they rent a private driveway within a five minute walk from the city centre, while car parks charge up to £23 for the same service.

It's a similar story at the Cabot Circus in Bristol with some city centre car parks charging £15.30 for a stay between 4pm and 9pm while a nearby private space can be hired from as little as £3.75.

“Parking on a rented driveway, many situated in town and city centres near the shops and Christmas markets, can offer a cheap and convenient alternative to traditional car parks," said YourParkingSpace.co.uk's managing director, Harrison Woods.

“We traditionally see a surge in bookings at this time of year from motorists looking to save money. It’s also a great opportunity for homeowners to list their driveway for rent and make some extra money at a time of year when purse strings can be tight.”