ANPR Car Parks

Upcoming changes to our car park payment system

We're making some changes to how you can pay for parking at a number of our stations to streamline the process.

In the coming months we are switching to an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system in 45 car parks at 38 stations, which will continue to be operated by our contractor APCOA.

This means your car number plate will be recognised as you drive in and you no longer need to pay and display a ticket in your car. Instead, all you need to do is buy online from the APCOA Connect App or website.

Or you can phone or text APCOA and pay at a time convenient to you. You can even pay up to 24 hours later.

ANPR is commonly found in many car parks across the country. The camera system provides 24/7 coverage and helps to further improve security for customers. The additional security also helps to deter crime, anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and vandalism.

To prepare for the installation of ANPR from Monday 19 August you will no longer be able to purchase daily or weekly parking tickets at the relevant ticket offices or ticket vending machines. This is because all sales need to go through to APCOA for processing rather than through Southeastern's retail systems.

How do I pay?

There are several ways to pay with ANPR both online, and by phone using one of the following options:

• Download the APCOA Connect app and register for an account – you can make payments by credit or debit card via a mobile phone, and you won’t have to display a paper ticket.

 

• Call 01895 262122 or text 07860 006000 quoting the Location Code that can be found on the tariff board in the car park
• Online at www.apcoaconnect.com
• Scanning the QR code located on signs within the car park with a smartphone which will take you to the APCOA payment page

ANPR will also allow payment for parking up to 24 hours after arrival by using ‘LatePay’ using a bank card on APCOA's Connect website. This means customers can pay later that day when convenient to them.  If a person is travelling but doesn’t use smartphone apps, nor pay by card over the phone then they could ask a friend/relative to pay for them later.

Which stations will ANPR be installed?

*ANPR is already available at Canterbury East and Higham car parks.
There is an ANPR system at Thanet Parkway station that is run by Europarking on behalf of Kent County Council. The car park at Ebbsfleet International is also run by a separate operator.

Do Blue Badge Holders have to pay?

If you are a Blue Badge holder, you do not need to pay for parking, however you must register your vehicle via the APCOA Blue Badge portal. As now, you need to continue to display your blue badge pack to avoid a penalty notice being issued.

Here’s a link to register: APCOA Blue Badge Permit Portal

Is there a free period for dropping off and picking up?

A period of 20 minutes is granted once the vehicle has entered the camera zone to allow for dropping off or picking up. After this time a payment may be required at the applicable tariff.

What if I can’t use a phone or smartphone, or there’s no reception at my station?

You can use ‘LatePay’ using a bank card up to 24 hours after arrival. Details are in the 'How do I pay section?' above.

Why are you switching to ANPR?

ANPR is a modern, popular and easy way to pay for your car parking and it is used at many other car parks, including those operated by other train operators and at council car parks.

As a publicly operated train operator we have a duty to ensure we are protecting taxpayers’ money wherever possible. The introduction of ANPR is the most cost-effective and efficient way to manage our car parks while also ensuring everyone pays their fair share when using the services.