Two York city centre car parks go ticketless

City of York Council, in partnership with York BID, have introduced new ‘pay on exit’ equipment in Marygate and Coppergate car parks  to enable customers to pay for parking as they leave the car park, in a hope to improve the customer experience.

The new ticketless systems will enable residents and visitors to pay for parking as they leave, rather than in advance.

A successful ‘pay on exit’ trial was undertaken in Marygate car park back in 2016 and the new system has now been expanded to the Coppergate Centre car park too.

It’s hoped that the new system will be rolled out across other city car parks.

The new system uses ANPR cameras to provide ticketless parking at both car parks. ANPR cameras will read the car registration plate on entering the car park. When visitors leave, all they need to do is go to the payment machine and type in their car registration plate.

Blue badge holders are able to scan their barcode or QR code for free or discounted parking at the Coppergate Centre car park. At Marygate, where designated disabled parking bays are outside the car park and occupied, blue badge holders wishing to park inside the car park are able to scan their barcode or QR code for free or discounted parking. ANPR cameras will read the car registration plate on leaving the car park and all visitors need to do is pay any required charge for their stay.

The ticketless parking system will recognise that payment has been made and the barrier will raise automatically to allow drivers to exit.

Above, Marygate car park in York

The introduction of ANPR systems mean car park scratch cards are no longer able to be used in the car parks.

If anyone holds a parking permit for a car park where ANPR ticketless parking is in place, they'll still be able to use the car park as normal. 

Marygate car park currently has reduced capacity during the important Environment Agency works taking place in the area, and larger vehicles will be operating/using the narrow access road.

Cllr Andy D’Agorne, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council said: “We hope the new ticketless pay and exit car parks will allow visitors to spend more time visiting our beautiful city without getting caught out by their parking ticket running out.

“Visitors to York can also use our frequent, low fare Park & Ride service which are operating from five sites across the city. The service offers the most most cost-effective and hassle-free way to travel into York city centre.

“Our local businesses need our support now more than ever, so I would urge everyone to shop local and visit the many fantastic shops and unique hospitality businesses we have all missed.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said at City of York Council, said: “Whilst this is hugely positive news, when you’re visiting York we can’t afford to be complacent though. The virus is still here and a lot of the population are yet to have the vaccine. We all have a role to play in keeping the people we love safe and the places we love open. Please remember hands, face, space and meet your friends and family outdoors in the fresh air.”

Andrew Lowson, Executive Director of York BID, said: “Working with the council to improve technology in city centre car parks has been a key remit for the BID. These solutions will make it much easier for people to relax and stay for longer in the city centre, enjoying the fantastic hospitality, retail and attractions on offer.”

Orbility, the supplier of the new parking system, said, “We are delighted to have been given this opportunity by the council and working closely with the Smart Places projects team. We have implemented an easy to use ANPR ticketless pay on exit solution, which we believe, will provide all residents and visitors to York, an enhanced parking experience.”