There is a variety of parking within Chelmsford. There are almost 8000 parking spaces available on Saturdays (slightly fewer on weekdays) and more than 700 spaces in long stay car parks are free of charge on Saturday. Free parking for any length of stay is available at the following car parks on Saturdays: Coval Lane and Rectory Lane (East & West). Although normally long stay, Fairfield Road and Townfield Street car parks have short stay spaces on Saturdays.

Other long stay sites offer cheap all-day parking at reduced rates, giving a less busy alternative to the popular town centre car parks. Several are also linked by footpaths and cycleways direct to the town centre shops.

The first three hours are free for disabled drivers in any short stay car park in Chelmsford. There are also parking spaces reserved for disabled drivers until 6 p.m. close to the town centre in: Waterloo Lane, Market Road, Bellmead, Barrack Square and Friars Walk