Portsmouth ranks highly for safe overnight parking spots

For many drivers, parking is the least enjoyable part of any journey. Whether it’s circling a multi-storey late at night or squeezing into a tight on-street space, the experience can quickly go from routine to nerve-wracking. Poor lighting, unclear layouts and concerns about theft or vandalism are enough to make anyone hesitate before locking up and walking away.

Drivers in Portsmouth, however, report feeling far more confident. A new study by SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire], based on visitor reviews from JustPark, has identified Portsmouth as one of the UK’s safest cities for overnight parking.

Portsmouth ranks eighth in the study with a 95% parking safety rating, meaning almost all reviewed parking experiences in the city were described as safe. For a busy port city with a mix of commuters, residents, and visitors, the result highlights the importance of well-maintained car parks, clear layouts, and good lighting in fostering driver confidence.

Motoring expert James McNally from SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire] says that practical, visible measures often make the biggest difference.

“Parking safety is often about perception as much as statistics. Drivers feel more confident when a car park is well lit, clearly marked, and busy enough to feel visible, but not chaotic. Simple factors like good signage and open sightlines can make a huge difference.”

Portsmouth joins other high-ranking cities such as Exeter and Preston (96%) and the top-ranked Colchester at 99%. The findings suggest that strong parking safety is possible across the UK, from historic centres to coastal and regional cities alike.

According to the research, improvements like enhanced lighting, CCTV coverage, and clearer layouts have helped drivers feel more secure nationwide. Even so, minor frustrations, such as dimly lit corners or unclear payment systems, can still undermine confidence, which is why consistent maintenance and attention to detail are key.

McNally adds:

“Across much of the UK, investment in parking infrastructure over the past decade has made a noticeable difference. The cities that score highest are those that consistently get the basics right. Choosing well-reviewed parking locations can make all the difference for drivers leaving their cars overnight.”

List of areas with the safest parking spots: