Around half (51%) of drivers admit to some form of anti-social parking behaviour, according to a survey of more than 2,800 British drivers by Purple Parking.

The irresponsible actions include damaging vehicles (either their own or another person’s), damaging public or private property, getting involved in an argument or leaving the scene of a parking incident without leaving details.

Both men and women consider men to be significantly better at parking, according to the survey.

However, men appear to be the most irresponsible parkers, accounting for two thirds (65%) of all anti-social parking. 

High parking costs, small spaces or not enough spaces are seen as the main cause of frustration with parking. 

Only a fifth of drivers consider personal distractions, such as lack of concentration, tiredness or nerves to have a negative impact on their parking abilities.

Road safety charity Brake has a different perspective and is campaigning for drivers to tune in and stay more aware on the roads.

Joe Burns, spokesman from Brake, said “Distractions are a real danger whenever we’re out driving – driving is one of the most dangerous things we’re likely to do on a daily basis, and it requires our full attention.

"Most of us can’t multi-task as well as we think we can, and one study has estimated that one in five potentially devastating crashes are caused by driver distractions, such as phone use at the wheel. 

"That’s why we’re calling on everyone to ‘tune in’ to road safety at all parts of the journey, from when we’re setting off, to when we’re parking up.”

To help drivers test their own parking skills and knowledge, Purple Parking has this week launched a quiz with questions on some of the toughest manoeuvres, road signs and parking general knowledge.

Click here to take Parking Pros quiz.