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.