Better parking: off street or on?

Yes. Off-street parking is generally safer, more secure, and less likely to incur fines or damage compared to on-street parking.

Is high street parking the same as off-street parking?

No. High street parking usually refers to on-street spaces along busy commercial streets. Off-street parking is located behind, beneath, or away from the street and offers more security.

What is off road parking?

Off-road parking is often used interchangeably with off-street parking, especially in residential contexts. It refers to parking on private property, such as a driveway or private lot, not directly accessible from a public road.

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Off-Street Parking Meaning: Complete Guide with Real Examples in the UK

Q: What is off street parking?

Off street parking is designated parking spaces away from public roads, such as private driveways, garages, residential bays, and airport car parks. These are typically privately owned or managed and offer more security and easier access compared to on-street parking.

Introduction: Why Parking Types Matter

Whether you're planning a trip to the airport, heading into the city, or looking for a home with better parking options, understanding the off-street parking meaning is essential. It impacts your convenience, security, and even property value.

But what does off-street parking actually mean? And how is it different from high street or on-street parking?

In this case, let's explore this important distinction and see how it impacts drivers, homeowners, travelers and what it really implies when navigating Clifton Bridge Street Parking, Gas Street On Street Car Parking and other airport parking solutions in the UK.

Discover what off-street parking meaning with this UK-based guide. Learn the definition, types, benefits, and how it compares with high street and on-street parking. Real-life examples included.

What is Off-Street Parking?

Parking spaces located other than public roads are known as off-street parking. Instead, these are privately managed or specially designated spaces on private property or land away from the flow of traffic.

In simpler terms:

Off-street parking is a reference to any legally marked parking area which is off of the main street or road, such as in a parking garage, driveway, shopping centre or airport car park.

This includes:

• Airport car parks

• Shopping mall parking lots

• Residential driveways

• Private garages

• Multi-storey and underground car parks

Off Street Parking Definition (UK Specific)

Definition of off street parking (UK): “A form of vehicle parking that occurs in areas not directly on public roads, typically owned and maintained by private entities, local councils, or property owners.”

The official UK Government Highway Code states that parking off the street is generally safer as it reduces road congestion than on-street parking.

Common synonyms:

• Off-road parking

• Private parking

• Designated car park space

But compare this to on-street parking — that is, public parking on roads, frequently monitored by town and local authorities who set the times and require a meter or a permit.

Off-road parking also refers to the same concept — parking that is not directly on the public roadway.

Examples of Off-Street Parking in the UK

Want real-life examples? Let’s look at popular off-street parking locations across the UK:

Clifton Bridge Street Parking

A great example of privately managed off-street parking in the Nottingham area, offering hourly and daily rates with CCTV protection and automated barriers.

Cornbow Multi-Storey Car Park

Located in Halesowen town centre, this multistorey car park provides both short- and long-term parking — an ideal off-street option for local businesses and shoppers.

Edinburgh Airport Multi-Storey Parking

A premium off-street parking facility offering covered bays, EV charging points, and Blue Badge spaces — just a short walk to the terminal.

Birmingham Airport Park & Ride

Although located off-site, this off-street parking offers shuttle transfers, ANPR access, and barrier-controlled security.

How Off-Street Parking Differs from High Street & On-Street Parking

Compare it quickly:

Feature	Off-Street Parking	On-Street / High Street Parking
Location	On private land, not directly on the street	Along public roads, typically kerbside
Security	High – barriers, CCTV, guards	Low – limited protection, prone to fines
Cost	Often includes hourly/daily fees	May be free, metered, or permit-based
Ideal For	Airport travelers, shoppers, residents	Quick errands, city visitors
Accessibility	Blue Badge & wider spaces available	May lack accessible space or be hard to reach

High street parking:

High street parking usually refers to on-street parking along busy commercial areas — less secure and often heavily regulated.

Planning a trip through a major UK airport? Secure and convenient Birmingham Airport Car Parking with Park & Ride, Meet & Greet and Multi Storey Parking available. Holidays Car Parking’s parking solutions provide high security, proximity to terminals, and up to 60% savings on bookings made in advance.

Off-Street Parking at UK Airports

Planning a holiday or business trip? You’ll likely use off-street parking.

Examples:

• Heathrow Airport: Terminal car parks (T2, T3, T5), Meet & Greet, Park & Ride.

• Manchester Airport: JetParks, Mid Stay, and Multi-storey.

• Luton Airport: Priority Parking, Off-site Park & Ride.

• Birmingham Airport: Short & Long Stay Off-Street Parking.

All these are off road parking areas— meaning your car stays safe and you’re closer to the departure gate.

Benefits of Off-Street Parking

Why choose off-street parking over kerbside?

Security

Most off-street car parks are monitored by CCTV, offer secure access, and reduce the risk of accidents or theft.

Proximity

Great for airport terminals, shopping centres, or workspaces — with no need to hunt for a spot.

Accessibility

Designated spaces for Blue Badge holders and larger vehicles are common in multistorey and off-road parking lots.

EV Friendly

Many airport car parks and residential developments now offer EV charging stations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Review

Apr 11, 2025

We booked two cars to be parked by your?
Very straight forward drop off and collection. Worked like a Swiss watch - very efficiently :)

We booked two cars to be parked by your valet service at Gatwick South Terminal.

Can't fault the driver who was very courteous and helpful.

Date of experience: April 01, 2025

Want to hear from more real users? Read more reviews on Trustpilot

Conclusion:

Answer YES if you want safe, concentrated, secure car parking. Off street parking is bliss, as it gives you peace of mind when you are parking at the airport, city centre or anywhere else you use up time.

In addition to Clifton Bridge Street Parking, Edinburgh Airport multi storey and many other off street parks across the UK, Holidays Car Parking also provides parking at the Clifterland dealership, EC7 parking in London and Park Sainsbury?s staff parking sites.

Ready to Park Smart?

Compare off-street parking at all major UK airports today with Holidays Car Parking!

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Some images used in this blog are sourced from Freepik.com and are used with proper attribution.

About the Author

Sana Farooq Afreen is a skilled SEO content writer and strategist with expertise in travel, airport parking, and digital services. She creates high-performing content for top UK platforms like Holidays Car Parking, Compare The Parking Deals, and Parkotrip. Her writing blends SEO precision with user-focused clarity. Her expertise ensures that every piece is optimized for both Google and real users.

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