New parking system at Friary car park

The Friary multi storey car park in Lichfield City will soon be operating using an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system.

This means that your vehicle registration number will be captured when you drive in and out of the car park.

This allows us to accurately know your arrival and departure time in the car park. 

It also means we don’t need an entry barrier, so there’s no coin or ticket to retain which speeds up entry and everyone’s journey. 

Payment is ticketless, using your registration number instead, to search for your vehicle and parking session cost.

What are the benefits of a ticketless ANPR car park?

• Our new ANPR camera system captures your vehicle registration number on entry and exit so you only pay for the time you stay with us.
• No risk of over-paying for your parking session.
• You don’t need to take a ticket on entry, carry one around with you or use one to pay.
• You can choose from a range of payment options depending on your parking need.

I’m a Blue Badge holder, do I still get free parking – what do I need to do?

If you are a Blue Badge holder, you will need to register with us with your badge number and vehicle registration number to enable the system to give you free parking. 

Your blue badge must still be displayed in your window screen whilst in the car park as spot checks will be completed throughout the day by the enforcement team.  

A maximum of five vehicles can be added to your account but only one vehicle at a time can use the car park, anymore vehicles accessing the car park will have to pay the normal parking rate. 

Register for Blue Badge parking at Friary car park

Are car parking charges increasing?

Car park charges will not be increasing. The following charges apply between 7am and 6.30pm, seven days a week:

• Up to 4 hours - £2.10
• Up to 6 hours - £3.20
• All day - £4.30
• Sunday all day rate - £1

What makes this car parking system different to the old one?

The system is now ‘pay on exit’. This means you do not pay when you arrive, but when you leave. The new system will also make paying easier as both credit/debit card (including contactless) payments are accepted.

Why do I need my registration number? 

When paying at the machines you need to put your registration number into the machine. When you leave the car park, enter your registration into the machine which will then calculate your payment for you.

What if I don’t enter my details?

The camera system (ANPR) records the exact time that you drive into and out of the Friary multi storey car park. If your vehicle is on the site for longer than 10 minutes and you do not enter your vehicle registration number into the machine to make the requested payment, you will not be able to leave the car park as the barrier will not lift up.

Will I need to display a ticket?

Payment is on exit from the car park, so there will be no ticket to display. A receipt for your records can be printed from the payment machines.

What if I need help using the system?

If you need help to use the car parking machines, please press the intercom and speak to a member of staff or call our main switch board on 01543 308000.

I have a pre-paid parking permit – what do I need to do?

If you are one of our permit holders then your vehicle registration number has already been placed on our whitelist so you can drive in and out of the car park without the need to do anything further.  If you need to change the details of your vehicle please email us at parking@lichfielddc.gov.uk  

How do I register for a pre-paid parking permit?

If you wish to find out more about our parking permits or wish to purchase one, find out more. 

I’m only dropping someone off – will I need to pay?

The system is set to allow for vehicles to pick up/drop off, there is a 10 minute limit. If you are longer than 10 minutes, you will need to pay for parking.

I’m visiting Franciscan View  – will I need to pay?

If you are visiting Franciscan View you can park in the allocated bays and then insert your vehicle registration number into the tablet in the Franciscan View reception lobby to omit your vehicle from payment (maximum stay of 24 hours).

I’m a resident of Franciscan View with parking in the secure area – what do I need to do?

Your vehicle registration number has already been placed on our whitelist so you can drive in and out of the car park without the need to do anything further.  If you need to change the details of your vehicle please email us at parking@lichfielddc.gov.uk

What happens if it is busy and I am driving around trying to find a parking space?

The system allows time to find a parking space and makes an allowance for the time you need to leave the car park afterwards.

Any questions, please email our team at parking@lichfielddc.gov.uk