Getting a new moving truck hire is exciting, but learning where to park it can be tricky. Whether you're moving within the UK or overseas, this article is full of useful tips on how to make the most of your new truck and where to park it.
Where to Park Your New Truck
When you buy a new truck, the first thing you'll need to do is learn where to park it. Nowadays, there are many different places you can park a truck, from on-street spaces to large car parks. Depending on where you are, the availability of parking spaces, and how big a truck you have, you may find one or more of these locations unsuitable. This article will tell you where you can and cannot park your new truck so you can find the best one for your needs.
On-Street Parking
If you want to park on the street, you'll need to find a legal parking space. These are usually found along main roads and in large cities. If you're in a smaller town or suburb, you may have to search for some space in a car park or at a garage. Just make sure you adhere to any restrictions on where you park on the street, especially at night when it gets dark. Overnight parking is often restricted to certain hours of the day, so find out what those are before you park there.
Garage Parking
Garage parking is when you park your car in a garage. These are available in many different shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs. Before you start parking in a garage, ask the manager or receptionist whether there's any security cameras or other equipment monitoring the area. This is often hidden behind the counter where the staff are located, so ensure you alert them to your presence when you return after a long day at work.
Car Parks
Car parks are areas where you can park multiple vehicles, often in a large lot surrounded by a fence. They are usually available at airports, train stations, and other large bus or rail stations. If you're driving, you'll need to pay at the entrance.
Truck Parks
Truck parks are similar to car parks but instead of parking cars, you'll usually be parking big trucks and other large vehicles. Like with car parks, you'll need to pay at the entrance to this type of space.
Camping
Camping is when you sleep in your car. This may not seem like the ideal situation, but if you've got a large vehicle as your car, you may not have a lot of room for other things. If you need a place to cook, store your groceries, or just want to be away from home for a night, camping may be an option for you. You'll need to look into where you can and can't camp though, as some areas may be prohibited. For example, you can't camp in a built up area or in a football field. Keep to the rules and you'll be fine.
Toll Roads
Toll roads are usually priced according to how long you'll be there. However, some toll roads require you to pay at the gate. The farther you go, the more you'll have to pay. If you're not familiar with the area, finding your way around can be tricky. Make sure you bring a map and know how to use it. You may also need to ask the locals for help or check online for directions before you set off. Many toll roads also have a navigation app on your phone, so you can follow the route and get real-time updates about how much longer it will be until you reach your destination.
Self-Parking
Self-parking is when you park your car in a garage or other enclosed area and use the elevator or stairs to go up to the entrance. This saves you the effort of searching for a normal parking space. It can also be a safer option as you don't need to find a space at a busy intersection or outside of a garage. You can find out more information about self-parking at this website: https://parking-options.com/
How Long Does It Take To Park?
This depends on several factors, such as the size of your vehicle, how full it is, and where you are parking it. Smaller vehicles can be parked more quickly than bigger ones, as there's less for the car to move around in the space. If you're in a big city, finding a parking space can take longer than in a small town or a rural area. This is because there's more traffic, which means more people are trying to park. When you park in a congested area, it can take longer than in an area with less traffic. This is also because there are more people trying to park, which makes it harder for others to find a space.
Parking During Peak Hours
Unless you have one of the above-mentioned spaces or are willing to pay for parking, you'll need to find a space during off-peak hours. Peak hours are from 7 am to 7 pm, so if you arrive at work or school during these times or at night, finding a space will be hard. You may need to camp or park in a different location during these times. Remember to check the rules and restrictions before you set off during these times. You may end up in trouble with the law if you park in a prohibited space or area during peak hours.
Parking During Shutdown Hours
Shutdown hours are from midnight to 6 am, so if you want to park during these hours, you have to do it in a different location than during peak hours. You may need to camp or park in a different location during these hours if there's no available on-street parking. During these hours, many locations become ghost towns, with scarce or no people around. This makes it easier for you to park without causing an accident or triggering the attention of security or police. Just be careful not to park in a space marked as Reserved or Acceptance Limited, as this could mean you're not allowed to leave until morning. These locations often have a lot of restrictions, so be sure you read the rules and restrictions carefully before you start driving.
Learning where to park your new truck is an important step in using it to its full potential. Just make sure you stick to the rules and restrictions of the location you're in and you'll be able to find a space that's right for you.