Bristolians are making thousands by renting out their driveways

Half a million cars come into the city every day - many looking for a spot to park. Credit: ITV News

Drivers are paying thousands of pounds a year to park in towns and cities across the region - with Bristol emerging as one of the most lucrative spots in the country.

The introduction of controversial Residents' Parking Zone in the city have dramatically restricted the number of free spaces.

The zones have proved unpopular with many local residents and business owners, but have proved money makers for Bristolians who rent out their driveways and garages.

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It's not just residential spots up for grabs: this patch of land is a bus park by night, but by day is rented out to commuters desperate for a place to leave their car.

This brings its owner nearly £1,500 from renting out 21 car parking spaces. Credit: ITV News

It's a trend that's growing as fast. Half a million vehicles come in and out of the city every day, many of them looking for a place to park.

We caught up with commuters to find out how they get around the parking challenge:

For people who can't walk to work or use public transport, they have no option but to turn to private rentals.

This lack of space was spotted five years ago by a man who's now made a business out of matching drivers to driveways.

His company has 1,000 registered spaces in Bristol city centre to hire out, and business has boomed.

Bristol is one of the most expensive places to park in the country Credit: ITV News