Auto Trader asked the British Parking Association's chief executive Patrick Troy for his top tips on avoiding a fine.

What you need:

• Your car
• A legal place to park
• Money

Directions:

1. Find out where you're going to park before setting off. If you're unaware of the area, use Google Street View to look around for parking signs first.

2. Before parking, look for signs in the area warning of clamping or ticketing.

3. Use a pay-and-display ticket machine if required - check ticket times first. Most car parks charge between 9am and 6pm.

4. Be wary of parking in businesses car parks, which can include those next to pubs, restaurants, supermarkets, offices, retail parks and visitor attractions.

5. If you're on private land and can’t see an obvious sign showing the rules, it’s advisable to park elsewhere.

6. Look for signs, check the rules and park within them - you'll be less likely to get a ticket.

7. If you get ticketed after parking somewhere you shouldn’t because of a genuine emergency, collect proof and make an appeal.

8. Look for the "Park Mark" - a big tick on a sign. This means a car park has been passed by police assessors as having the appropriate facilities to deter crime. This is a good choice if you're alone, with children or your family.

Have you avoided a parking fine? Has your car been clamped? Have your say on the Auto Trader Blog

What to do if you get fined

1. Ask to see the clamper’s licence – if they don’t have one, report them to the Security Industry Authority (SIA) on 08702 430 100.

2. Ask if their employer is signed up with the British Parking Association's Code of Practice. If they're not, skip to step number three. If they are, they are under obligation to:

• Display clear signs warning of ticketing
• Charge reasonable rates which reflect the cost of the operation
• Ensure clampers are easily recognised and licensed
• Offer an appeals and complaints service
• Store clamped cars securely
• Offer a 'grace' period of cheaper fines, if pay-and-display tickets have expired
• Provide various ways to pay

3. Find out the name of the person or organisation you’re paying.

4. Ask for a receipt.

5. If the clamper causes damage to your vehicle, complain to the police.

6. If you feel the clamper has behaved inappropriately, you should take the matter up with them. Try reasoning with them - if you can't reach an arrangement, go through their company's appeal system.

If they fail to resolve your complaint, you may have a case in civil law against them. Contact your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Trading Standards Officer, the SIA or the British Parking Association.

Contact the BPA if you are dubious of a clamping operator - they'll will aim to bring that company in line with their code of practice.

How to appeal a parking ticket

What's the law?

1. Wheel clamping is legal in England and Wales on public roads and private land, including car parks.

2. Local authorities have the power to clamp vehicles illegally parked on public roads.

3. There is no regulation on private land and car parks - it is up to the owner how much is charged for parking and clamp removal, if at all.

4. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) set up by the Home Office states all vehicle clampers must be licensed, but it does not regulate their employers.

5. The government is currently reviewing car clamping and parking law.

Some motorists have taken the removal of car clamps into their own hands - one man even sawed his car in half to avoid paying a fine.

Damaging cars or clamps is illegal and Auto Trader does not encourage this in any way.

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