How ANPR works
ANPR cameras will record the time you arrive at the car park.
The exact amount of time you've been parked for will be calculated. You'll only be charged for that amount of time. This means that you will no longer have to estimate the amount of time you think you're going to park for.
Car parks using ANPR
The following car parks will use the new ANPR system from 7am on 13 June 2023:
The following car parks use the ANPR system now:
Car park entry and exit
Flow plates
There is no barrier at the car park entrance. Entry will be managed by flow plates. These prevent vehicles from going back out of the car park entrance. These should be crossed at a maximum speed of 5mph and in a straight line.
The metal pegs will drop down as your vehicle moves over the plates and pop back up to stop vehicles traveling back out.
There is a barrier at the exit. Once the exit camera has recorded your vehicle information and you have paid the correct parking charge, the barrier will lift for you to exit the car park.
Help
If you have a problem, there is a help button at the barrier. Or you can call Parking Services on 01634 331 760.
15-minute grace period
If you enter the car park and there are no spaces and you exit the car park within 15 minutes, you will not be charged. The barrier will automatically open on exit. The same applies if you decide not to park after entering.
If you go over the 15 minutes, you will be charged and will need to pay before exiting the car parks.
Rochester Station limited waiting at Corporation Street car park
Vehicles can wait 20 minutes free of charge. A parking bay must be used.
Vehicles must exit the car park within 20 minutes and not return for 2 hours to avoid paying the parking charge.
Licenced taxis at Corporation Street car park
If you're a licenced Hackney Carriage you can still access the taxi rank for free, but you must register your taxi licence before you enter the car park. Allow 7 to 10 working days for your application to be processed.
You'll need to register annually when you renew your taxi licence.
Private hire vehicles at Corporation Street car park
Private hire vehicles will have 20 minutes free waiting to enable them to collect fares from the Corporation Street car park.
They must exit the car park within 20 minutes and not return for 20 minutes to avoid payment of the parking charge.
Car park permit holders
We have automatically updated all existing late night permit and worshipper parking permit holders. You should allow up to 7 to 10 working days for any new applications to be processed.
If you're a holder of a late night or worshipper permit, you do not need to contact us.
You must continue to display your permit when parked.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles do not need to pay the parking charge if using a motorcycle bay.
Parking charges for Blue Boar Lane and Corporation Street
| Time period | Charge |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | £1.20 |
| 1 to 2 hours | £1.70 |
| 2 to 4 hours | £2.70 |
| 4 to 5 hours | £3.20 |
| Over 5 hours | £13.20 |
Before Tuesday 13 June 2023, the current pay and display rules and tariffs apply.
Maximum stay is 72 hours.
A new charging period starts at 7am each day.
Corporation Street car park is chargeable from 7am to 1am Monday to Sunday including bank holidays.
Blue Boar Lane car park is chargeable between 7am and 9am on Mondays including bank holidays, and 7am to 1am Tuesday to Sunday.
Why we're making these changes
You have more flexibility while parking in these car parks, as you can park for longer if you want. You do not need to return to your vehicle when the time paid for expires, which could potentially incur a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
You can stay for the maximum time stated on the tariff board.
Account-based automatic payment systems are also available to provide easier more convenient payment methods.