1:10pm Monday 22nd March 2010
By Guy Kilty
A NEW website may have the answer to East Lancashire's parking problems — putting drivers in touch with homeowners who want to hire out their drive.
IT consultant Tristan Carter, 33, who lives in Taylor Avenue near Ewood Park, Blackburn, has advertised his two-space drive on the website parkatmyhouse.co.uk since October for fans to use on Rovers matchdays.
He said he had seen a steady stream of customers paying £5 a time.
"I was getting one or two virtually every match," he said.
"I think people feel safer keeping their car on a residential drive.
"I've earned about £50 so far. It's not costing anything for me to run it. It's effectively free money, isn't it?"
The website is also useful for parking in other cities.
Sales manager at Blackburn Audi, Brian Ditchfield, paid £15 to park his car at Wembley, just over half the cost of the stadium car park.
"Every time I've used it it's been really good," said 44-year-old Brian.
"It's a hassle-free tool and if you use it you don't have to drive round looking for a parking space.
"I parked up and then two minutes later I was in the ground."
Anthony Eskinazi, founder of parkatmyhouse.co.uk, said: "Parking in many of our cities, especially near hospitals, airports or football stadiums is often scarce and expensive.
"By renting a private driveway customers are able to secure a convenient and affordable place to park, often at up to 70 per cent less than using traditional car parks."
The website is free to use for people who want to hire a drive. People who rent out their drive pay 15 per cent of whatever they receive to parkatmyhouse.
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