Avoid Parking and Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)
Nobody wants to receive a Penalty Notice Charge (PCN, where you get a fee for breaking some rules of the road). While you’ll have learned all the rules during your driving test, we’re also always looking for ways to make your trip in a Zipcar as easy and smooth as possible. So, here’s a reminder of some elements specific to Zipcar to keep in mind when driving to help you avoid getting a PCN.
1. Parking a Roundtrip
When you use a Zipcar Roundtrip you’ll need to pay for any parking if you stop during your trip. Always pay attention to parking signs and restrictions – they can vary a lot! Check for time limits and any specific rules for the area.
When you return your Zipcar Roundtrip, if the designated bay is blocked for any reason and you need to park your Zipcar Roundtrip elsewhere, please contact us so we can provide you with alternate parking instructions. If you don’t you might get a PCN.
2. Parking a Flex
When you take a one-way Zipcar Flex, different parking rules apply for each borough in the Zipzzone, so make sure you know the rules. As a general guide, you can always park in Shared-use bays in our Zipzone and always in a Residents Bay (unless you’re in Hammersmith & Fulham). You can find specific borough parking rules here or you can use the Trip Cost Estimator when booking your Flex trip and set your destination. Then just click on the parking rules for the specific rules of the borough where you’re ending your trip.
If you park outside of the Zipzone during your trip, then please stick to the parking signage in the area, or if you’re in a pay-and-display car park you’ll have to pay!
3. Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs)
LTNs aim to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and create safer environments for walking and cycling while ensuring access for residents, deliveries, and emergencies. Bollards, planters, and camera-operated access points enforce restrictions, with clear signage in place. Roundtrip car club bays remain accessible via free routes, but driving through restricted filters may result in a traffic violation. For details, check your local authority's website.
4. Rotherhithe Tunnel Rules
Please be aware that the Rotherhithe Tunnel only allows vehicles under 2 tonnes, and all our vans weigh more than this. That means if you drive one of our vans (or any vehicle over 2 tonnes!) through it, it will result in a PCN. As such, all our vans should never be taken through the tunnel. You can find out more here on our specs vehicle page.
5. Tolls and charges outside London
When you’re driving outside of London, please be aware that you’re responsible for any tolls or charges. For example, the Oxford Zero Emission Zone, M6 toll road, Mersey tunnel etc. Zipcar covers your DART charge, and all our vehicles are ULEZ compliant, so no fees for you to worry about there!
6. Parking on single yellow line (when permitted to park)
Please be aware that, while you can park on single yellow lines during some periods, it isn’t an approved place to leave a Flex vehicle. For example, you might end your Flex trip on a single yellow line at the weekend when restrictions don’t apply. However, if the Flex vehicle isn’t taken by another member before the parking restrictions come into place, you will be liable for any PCN.
7. Parking suspensions
Please keep an eye out for any planned parking suspensions. You can normally see them on yellow signs attached to trees or lampposts on relevant streets. As with parking on single yellow lines, you might think it’s OK to end your Flex trip there as the suspension doesn’t come into effect for another day, for example. However, if the vehicle isn’t taken by another member before the parking suspension comes into effect, you will be liable for any PCN.
8. Private car parks
Many car parks at supermarkets or retail parks are operated by private car park operators, with restrictions on how long you can park there. Check for time limits, and any specific rules for the car park – for example, if you need to display a parking ticket or not. And if you’re in a Flex vehicle, you mustn’t end your trip here.
9. Council estates
Many housing estates have restricted parking for residents only. We don’t have permission to park our Flex vehicles there, so don’t end your Flex trip in a housing estate. If you do, you will be liable for any PCNs received.
Don’t forget to follow the rules of the road!
Most PCNs are issued simply by not following the rules of the road. Keep to speed limits, staying off your phone, following road signs... you know what to do.
Do you want to know more about PCN? Check below our FAQ section.
