6 SIMPLE STEPS TO BEAT THE SYSTEM

1 PLAN ahead. The best deals – particularly for airports – get snapped up early. After making your travel plans, start looking for bargain parking spots. Websites such as Airport Parking Shop can help. As part of the planning know when you are going to return – to avoid any possible car park penalties.

2 COMPARE car parks in the area. A great place to shop around is the website Parkopedia. Motorists just tap in the postcode where they are going and then get a list of the nearest parking spaces and fees. It lists more than 38million spaces worldwide.

3 CONSIDER a season ticket. Despite the higher costs of train company operated car parks they are convenient. Paying in advance with a season ticket can save more than £500 a year. For example, a yearly car park spot in commuter town Tunbridge Wells, Kent, costs £850 but £5.90 a day for ‘pay and display’.

4 PAY in advance by phone or via the internet rather than in cash at the car park. You can save at least 20p a stay if booking on the phone – including by text and app – or via the internet quoting a reference code with car registration plate details. This can save commuters at least £50 a year.

5 PARK on a driveway. Websites such as JustPark and Park On My Drive offer details of places where you can park near your railway station. It tends to be cheaper than car parks. Users book and pay online.

6 GET on your bike and cycle to work or the train station. If it is convenient this will not only save you money, but get you fit – and should also be more fun. Check out bike parking facilities and invest in a good lock. You can knock at least 25 per cent off the cost of a new bike if the company that you work for is signed up to the Cyclescheme.