Parking challenges continue to affect millions of event-goers across the UK, with new research from JustPark revealing that inadequate parking infrastructure is influencing attendance, reducing visitor spending, and creating operational challenges for venues during the busy summer events season.
The survey of more than 1,500 UK adults who attend ticketed events highlights growing demand for easier, more affordable parking solutions as the country hosts major sporting events, music festivals, concerts, and cultural gatherings throughout the summer.
Parking Concerns Influence Event Attendance
According to the survey, 70% of respondents said parking concerns influence their decision to drive to an event, while an overwhelming 91% stated they would be more likely to attend if parking were simple and affordable.
The research also found that 88% of drivers would use pre-booked parking if it were offered, indicating strong demand for guaranteed parking options that can reduce uncertainty before arriving at an event venue.
Parking Delays Affect Visitor Experience
The findings reveal that parking problems continue to negatively impact the overall event experience.
More than one in five drivers (22%) reported missing the start of an event because of parking delays, while 57% described event parking as stressful.
In addition, 48% of respondents said they had left a ticketed event earlier than planned due to parking concerns. Although this represents an improvement compared to 56% in 2025, it still highlights the ongoing impact of parking issues on visitor satisfaction.
Long exit queues remain another significant concern, with 68% of drivers identifying congestion when leaving venues as one of their biggest frustrations—an increase from 61% recorded in last year’s survey.
Parking Challenges Create Revenue Losses for Venues
Beyond visitor inconvenience, the survey suggests that inefficient parking management may also reduce revenue opportunities for event organisers.
Nearly 49% of drivers said they had experienced difficulty finding a parking space at an event, while late arrivals caused by parking delays reduce the amount of time visitors spend inside venues, potentially lowering spending on food, beverages, merchandise, and other services.
The report also highlights environmental concerns, noting that 41% of drivers spend more than 20 minutes searching for parking spaces, contributing to increased traffic congestion, unnecessary vehicle emissions, and pressure on local transport infrastructure.
Pre-Booked Parking Offers Growth Opportunities
The research indicates that expanding pre-booked parking services could significantly improve both visitor experience and venue operations.
Awareness of pre-booked parking has increased from 77% in 2025 to 89% in 2026, yet fewer than 20% of drivers regularly reserve parking before attending an event.
This gap suggests many event organisers are not yet integrating parking options into ticket booking systems or pre-event communications, despite strong customer demand for guaranteed parking.
Providing parking reservations during the ticket purchasing process could help reduce congestion, improve visitor satisfaction, and create additional revenue streams for venues.
JustPark Expands Event Parking Network
Over the past year, JustPark has significantly expanded its event parking services across the UK.
The company recently acquired BigParking, adding more than 120 parking locations near major stadiums, arenas, and event venues nationwide.
JustPark is also expanding its EventPass technology, which was first introduced at The O2 in London. The platform enables visitors to secure parking spaces before arrival, helping venues improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance the overall event-day experience.
Industry Focus Turns to Smarter Parking Solutions
Commenting on the findings, Jonathan Hampson, Chief Commercial Officer at JustPark, said parking plays a much larger role in event success than many people realise.
He noted that while demand for attending live events remains strong, difficulties in finding convenient parking create unnecessary stress for visitors and can ultimately affect attendance, spending, and venue operations.
As the UK hosts a packed calendar of sporting events, concerts, and festivals this summer, the research highlights the growing need for smarter parking management, integrated booking systems, and technology-driven solutions that improve accessibility for event-goers while supporting venues with more efficient operations and increased commercial opportunities.
