Wait no longer as parking slots, taxis and buses are listed

PARKOPEDIA: FREE

THIS app aims eventually to list every parking spot in the world. It currently details availability and charges on 38million spaces in 52 countries.

Drivers tap in where they want to drive to, or check out local spots on their phone. Nanny Sam Correia, from Blackheath, SouthEast London, spends a lot of time searching for free or cheap spots for her Nissan Micra. The 29-year-old says: ‘It is always a nightmare to park in London. This app allows me to go straight to an available spot – often just a street away that I did not know existed. ‘If one is not available, I press on a link which enables me to pay for a car park by credit card and simply drive there.’

Other apps to consider are RingGo Parking and JustPark. The RingGo app aims to help those who do not want to carry around a pocketful of coins for the car park, but prefer to pay by giving their credit or debit card details over the phone instead.

HAILO: FREE

FOR the best taxis in London there is no substitute for a black cab. Though not the cheapest, black cab drivers know streets like the back of their hands, having passed the ‘Knowledge’ test.

With Hailo, a licensed taxi is a couple of taps away and with you in minutes. The app has an option to prebook a taxi from an airport by putting in your flight details – and should arrive on time even if your flight is early or delayed. You will be informed when the vehicle arrives.

It is also available in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester.

UBER: FREE

THIS service, which some fear undermines traditional black taxis, cannot be ignored as it makes booking a minicab much simpler. Users are given details of the nearest car, when it will arrive and pay using the app. You can even track the cab’s progress towards you.

Passengers can also opt to choose the type of car – everything from a basic economy vehicle to a luxury model.

It is available in 16 UK cities, but can also be used in major cities worldwide.

UK BUS CHECKER: FREE

THE app offers live times and maps for every bus route in Britain. If you do not want to see any advertisements, it costs up to £3.99.