As a former Londoner myself, I can give you clear advice from the outset: don’t take your car into London. It’s slow, expensive, and bound to end up a frustrating experience.
Take the Tube instead. Or a bike. Or a bus. Or just walk. But don’t drive.
But if you must drive, an app like iparkmycar, newly available in the App Store, might come in useful.
The app comes with a comprehensive database of more than 1000 parking locations right across London, from super-costly City car parks to residential parking zones in the suburbs.
The app also claims to know when parking wardens in each borough go home at the end of the day, freeing up streetside spaces that are patrolled during daylight hours.
It also knows where the central Congestion Charge zone is, and will automatically ping you with reminders to pay up before you get charged a penalty fee.
See what I mean? Driving in London is a mug’s game. You’re better off on your feet.
Giles Turnbull is a freelance writer in England. He also writes for the Press Association and The Morning News. You can find out more at his website, and follow him on Twitter @gilest.
