New plans for parking
Over the past few months, we have been reviewing
our car parking system at Ferry Meadows and have made the decision to implement
some changes that will make the payment experience easier for our visitors and reduce the need for
enforcement. We will be replacing
our existing system and installing two barriers with ANPR cameras at both the
entrance and exit at Ferry Meadows.
Drivers will drive up to the entry barriers and a
camera will take a photo of their vehicle registration number. The barrier will
then rise. When visitors are ready to leave they will enter their vehicle
registration number at a pay station and pay the appropriate charge. Provided
the driver has paid, the exit barrier will rise automatically, thereby reducing
the likelihood of queues on exit.
The new system has many benefits. Given that
payment will be made before leaving, no further enforcement will be required
for non-payment. The system is ticketless, which will reduce litter. The new pay
machines will also give change when paying with cash and there will be the
ability to pay using card, contactless and a new mobile App. In addition, a
24/7 call centre service will operate with intercom connection from the
barriers in the park, so that any problems or issues can be dealt with
remotely, especially those arising after hours when there are no staff on hand
to assist.
The existing tariffs will remain unchanged, except
that free parking will now be given to motorbikes. Just as now, parking members
and those on “white lists” will not need to go to a pay station. The entry and
exit barriers will rise automatically once their registration number has been
recognised. Groups that currently receive free or discounted parking will
continue to do so via a special bar code.
We aim to have this new system in place at Ferry
Meadows by the end of September. For more information, keep an eye on our
website and social media for updates.
A new barrier system (with tickets) will also be
rolled out in late September at Orton Meadows. Customers of the Granary,
Rutland Cycling and Nene Golf will continue to receive free parking by having
their tickets discounted in store
Parking charges at Thorpe Meadows will be introduced in mid July. A simple pay and display system will be introduced with payment in cash, or by card using the mobile App. The first hour will be free, so that dog walkers and others on short visits to Thorpe Meadows will continue to receive free parking.