Hi-tech system to be installed at city car park

A new hi-tech ticketing system is being installed at a major city centre car park.

City of Wolverhampton Council said the new system, part of a wider car parking upgrade programme, will provide a faster, ticketless entry and exit at the Civic Centre site, which has 330 spaces on three levels.

The new technology would also allow live data to be fed to the council's electronic roadside signs for people to see where parking spaces were available.

Qaiser Azeem, cabinet member for transport and green city, said the parking improvements were an "important part" of the future development of the city.

Once live, the new automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system will mean barriers will rise immediately for drivers on arrival.

Prior to departure, the customer would have to make a payment either in person, at a pay station, at the exit barrier, or via digital payment methods.

The council said the car park would remain open and continue to use the current ticketing system while the works are carried out. They are due to start on Monday and are expected to be completed by the end of April.

From 24 March, the entry and exit points from Wulfruna Street will be reduced to one lane for the duration of the works.

The North Street entry and exit will be closed for up to a week from 2 April.

Mr Azeem said: "Having well-maintained, safe and secure car parking facilities to serve customers is an important part of Wolverhampton's future development and builds on the major investment in the city centre.

"Linking up the ANPR technology with our electronic roadside signs enhances convenience and will help improve traffic flow in and around the city centre at busy times."

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