Get the Best Holidays Car Parking App
Book faster and better using our app.
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.
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.
‘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.’
• Airport car parks
• Shopping mall parking lots
• Residential driveways
• Private garages
• Multi-storey and underground car parks
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.
• 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.
Want real-life examples? Let’s look at popular off-street parking locations across the UK:
A great example of privately managed off-street parking in the Nottingham area, offering hourly and daily rates with CCTV protection and automated barriers.
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.
A premium off-street parking facility offering covered bays, EV charging points, and Blue Badge spaces — just a short walk to the terminal.
Although located off-site, this off-street parking offers shuttle transfers, ANPR access, and barrier-controlled security.
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.
Planning a holiday or business trip? You’ll likely use off-street parking.
• 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.
Why choose off-street parking over kerbside?
Most off-street car parks are monitored by CCTV, offer secure access, and reduce the risk of accidents or theft.
Great for airport terminals, shopping centres, or workspaces — with no need to hunt for a spot.
Designated spaces for Blue Badge holders and larger vehicles are common in multistorey and off-road parking lots.
Many airport car parks and residential developments now offer EV charging stations.
Off street parking is designated parking spaces away from the public roads like private driveways, garages, residential bays and airport car parks. These are usually privately owned or managed and provide more security and ease of access to parking than on street parking.
Simply put, if you’re wondering what does off street parking mean, it means parking in any space away from the road — this is for safety, as well as accessibility to the space that we need our vehicle to harness.
Yes. The car is safer, more secure, and less likely to have fines or damage.
High street parking means on-street spaces in a high street. Behind or beneath, off-street is the more common term.
In particular, the term often used interchangeably in the residential context is off-road parking and in fact, off road parking is a term used for off street parking. Parking in private property — such as in the area of your own driveway or in a parking lot not accessible on the public road.
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.
Compare off-street parking at all major UK airports today with Holidays Car Parking!
Price Match Guarantee | Secure Payment | Save Up to 60% | No Hidden Fees
Discover what our customers are saying about our services. From secure parking solutions to responsive customer support, their experiences show the trust and satisfaction we've proudly earned over the years.
Book faster and better using our app.