HOMEOWNERS with empty driveways in seaside resorts are tapping in to the huge demand for parking spaces as staycation Brits flock to the coast, a new study by YourParkingSpace.co.uk has discovered.

Some popular coastal towns and cities, such as Southend-on-Sea, Brighton, Weymouth and St Ives, have seen the number of rented driveway bookings increase by more than 300 per cent over the past month.

Other seaside hotspots, including Bournemouth, Blackpool, Margate and Great Yarmouth, have witnessed rented driveway bookings rocket by at least 220 per cent, sometimes considerably more.

Harrison Woods, managing director at YourParkingSpace.co.uk, said: “We’re seeing a massive increase in rented driveway bookings in seaside towns as Brits return to the coast following a relaxation in lockdown rules.

“I would expect demand here to only increase in August throughout the summer holidays, and at other seaside resorts, with many people preferring a staycation.”

Meanwhile, further data from the online parking platform also reveals how much these seaside homeowners are actually making on average by renting out their driveways, when they are not being used, to other motorists needing somewhere to park.

Brighton tops the coastal earnings chart with driveway owners making a staggering £162 per month on average with YourParkingSpace.co.uk, followed by Bournemouth and Worthing where residents make on average £92 and £78 respectively.

Harrison added: “Our figures show that renting out an empty driveway is a great way for some seaside residents to earn an additional income.

“However, it is also a good opportunity for visitors to possibly save on parking charges as driveways can be cheaper than traditional car parks while also providing more social distancing room for the vehicle’s occupants.”