Council chiefs say they hope to introduce pay on exit barriers rather than ANPR systems for Lichfield city centre car parking in future.

Lichfield District Council’s cabinet debated proposals for future provision as part of a strategy on the issue.

It includes a switch to pay on exit parking rather than the current system.

Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of the council, insisted he was keen to see barrier exits rather than fully automated systems.

“There is a bad rep around some ANPR operators because they are the type where it takes a picture and sends a fine out – that’s not what is being suggested.

“The system we hope to see will capture a number on camera purely so they know which vehicle has entered to charge the right vehicle for exiting.

“It is not going to be linked to a DVLA database or the like to send out fines – that is totally out of scope.”

Cllr Doug Pullen, Lichfield District Council

Cllr Rob Strachan, cabinet member for finance, said the change was needed in order to encourage people to spend time in the city.

Cllr Rob Strachan
Cllr Rob Strachan

“We’ve seen negative experiences with ANPR car parks in this city recently, even where they are not operated by us.

“If that barrier system were more widely rolled out in time I would find myself able to support it.

“I’m particularly keen and heartened to see increased implementation of paying on exit – the days of feeding the meter then worrying about the time your parking is up.

“Having the pressure to feed the meter curtails the length of a visit and hopefully is on the way out. We can then have a situation where people visit the city can spend their time without worrying when their time will be up and they’ll get a ticket on their car.

“They will feel far more comfortable knowing they are able to pay for the parking they’ve used when they leave.”

Cllr Rob Strachan, Lichfield District Council

22 Comments
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Maureen
2 years ago

Not too sure why there is no mention of the parking app that is currently available to use at the council car parks.. convenient and easy to check and add additional time if needed… oh and why not work at improving public transport and people would have more options on visiting the city… maybe electric signs to let visitors know when the next bus is due????? But clearly all Lichfield council is interested in is continuing to encourage people to use cars!

JO
2 years ago

Lichfield Council should speak to Stafford Council about their pay on exit car parks as they are very good.

Carl Sholl
2 years ago

This sounds quite sensible. If an ANPR system has to be used, then a barrier system is far better than a “your fine is in the post” system (which unfairly penalises the absent minded). But what’s wrong with an old-fashioned ticket based system?
By the way, not all of us have smart phones, so apps aren’t a universal solution, but cheaper/affordable public transport would encourage many people to leave their cars at home.

Dee Gee
2 years ago

The problem is not the technology but LDC’s choice of operator. Pay-on-exit barrier avoids use of DVLA rip-off system – even better.

Scott
2 years ago

Town centres need to get a grip before the out of town free parking shopping centres wipe them out.

Rather than debating how to charge people try not charging.

John Allen
2 years ago

The inconvenient truth of course is that there are far too many cars on the roads, and it’s getting worse. We aren’t going to get very far in tackling climate change unless we can persuade a lot more people to get off their backsides and walk or cycle, or use public transport if they can’t. Tinkering with parking systems is akin to rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic.

Steve
2 years ago

So, it’s fine to install ugly barriers to the car parks, but you can’t have an illuminated display board to help bus passengers because it’ll be ugly !!! How will these barriers be made to fit in with the surroundings. Double standards council !!!!!

ML
2 years ago

John, firstly you have to have public transport before you can use it. The first step to reducing cars on the road is to ban mummies from taking them to school in one

Mandy
2 years ago

As someone who lives in Lichfield, I stopped shopping in the city about 6 months ago – solely down to the hassle of parking. I can’t imagine it’s any better since Tesco started monitoring their car park, either. I now shop in Tamworth. Free parking and loads of shops. Such a shame. This council is systematically crucifying this city. Is it any wonde lr they parking is an issue when the population of the city is growing tear on year. Every time I drive around Lichfield – it seems a new housing estate is being built. Where’s the new doctors, dentist, schools, recreational facilities?? The city is dying – and it’s all down to Eadie and his band of crazy councillors.

Lynn
2 years ago

I see once again there is no mention of disabled parking. Do we no longer get free parking, along with the reduction of spaces & it’s provision! Many of us can’t use public transport.
How about we spend the money on making the city more friendly for the disabled & other users!!

M Pullen
2 years ago

If you want to be successful stop charging for parking. It will help bring people and money to Lichfield. How will it affect disabled parking which is free? Or is this another money maker idea.

John
2 years ago

Parking should be free. Businesses pay enough rates and the public enough council tax. It just drives people away from the town centre. You can get free parking at Lidl . Council needs a wake up call.

Mr Mr
2 years ago

Good idea anything to stop the blood sucking car park enforcement companies abs the misery they cause the motorist.

John Allen
2 years ago

On the subject of parking, what is morally indefensible is charging people to park at hospitals. Nobody goes to hospital through choice. They are either receiving treatment themselves or visiting relatives or friends who are in hospital. No-one goes there because they fancy a night out at A&E. It might raise some money for hospitals but if the NHS was properly funded this wouldn’t be needed.

ProfessorPineapple
2 years ago

£350 million a week should mean there is no need for parking charges.

John Allen
2 years ago

Good points ML. Since catchment areas for schools are not usually large, I struggle to understand why parents can’t walk their children to school. Parking outside schools should be banned to encourage parents, and children, to get off their backsides and walk or cycle. The situation outside most schools at the start and finish of school hours is absolutely ridiculous.

ML
2 years ago

John Allen at the Friary some get driven to the school door

ProfessorPineapple
2 years ago

John Allen – I struggle too. I struggle to see how how parents can walk their children to The Friary from Stonnall or Wall.
Not every school has a small catchment area.
Perhaps some parents drive from Wall then continue their journey to their place of work?

Mrs N Graves
2 years ago

I have a disabled badge are we then going to have to pay to leave a car park in Lichfield. I have lived in Lichfield nearly sixty years and love the city.

Geoff Haigh
2 years ago

I thought that the City wanted to attract Tourists. How can charging bus companies fees for parking encourage more visitors coming by bus or coach rasther than their own car?
To really encourage commerce in Lichfield how about charging a local sales tax on every item bought in a Lichfiedld shop??? Come on Council you are not yet even trying. On the idea of increasing fees on garden waste bins it will encourage more fly tipping along with massive clear up costs which will greatly exceed the increased revenue on the bins

C Murkett
1 year ago

Being disabled I have always parked in the 3 spires lower car park disabled bays because its convenient and also been free,so to suddenly receive a £100 fine in what I thought was a free parking place, I won’t be shopping in Lichfield anymore which is a shame.

AnnS
1 year ago

@Maureen, not everyone has a mobile phone or one that they can download apps to. I don’t. I would sooner see free parking but if we have to be charged I think it a better idea to pay when you leave rather than pay when you park. I’ve been saying it for years.