Top Parking Tips

He advises:

* Park on the left-hand side of the road if possible, and always at night.

* In a car park, try and reverse into parking spaces. It’s safer when you’re driving out and more fuel efficient as you’ll be manoeuvring with a warm engine.

* Check your mirrors and over your shoulder frequently – you need to know what’s going on around you. Don’t just rely on parking sensors.

* When looking for a parking space, don’t stop suddenly. Drive slowly past it, and size it up to see if your car will fit. And if you can’t stop because you have traffic behind you, drive on.

* At the supermarket, try and park away from trolley parks and corners to avoid your car being damaged by trolleys.

* Leave enough space for a large vehicle to pass your vehicle and for pedestrians to get past easily.

Peter, who is IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) chief examiner, added: “Parking is an essential part of driving which many people find stressful. Don’t feel pressurised by other drivers waiting for you to park – it’s important do it at a sensible pace.”

To help drivers stay safe this winter, the IAM has launched a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter.

Tips cover rain, snow, ice, fog and wind – everything you can expect in a typically unpredictable British winter. Check it out before you travel.