The Car Parking Office has provided answers to frequently asked questions regarding the updates to car parking on campus, ahead of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) being introduced from Wednesday 1 October.

Recognising that this is a significant change for staff, students, and visitors, there will be a period of flexibility as the system is introduced, allowing vehicle users time to familiarise themselves with the new car parking system. The Car Parking Office can provide more guidance, car-parking@lancaster.ac.uk.

All information about car parking at Lancaster University can be found on the Car Parking webpage and the Policy and Enforcement webpage.

Accessible permits

Staff who have a long-term medical condition may request an accessible permit via the Car Parking Office, car-parking@lancaster.ac.uk. Accessible permits are authorised by the Security Operations Manager.

Blue Badge holders

Staff and student registered Blue Badge holders can park free of charge but must register their vehicle with the Car Parking Office, car-parking@lancaster.ac.uk, and provide evidence of their Blue Badge.

Annual staff permits

Staff with an annual permit are covered to park in any parking zone on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Staff can purchase an annual staff parking permit via Flexible Benefits. Staff who have not applied during the Flexible Benefits enrolment window can do so by contacting the the Parking Office.

Bailrigg Motors

Please provide Bailrigg Motors with your vehicle details before visiting for service or repairs.

Car sharing

A maximum of three vehicles can be registered on one car share permit. The lead purchaser will need to input additional vehicle details at the point of purchase.

Only one vehicle can park on campus at a time. If a second vehicle comes onto campus, an additional parking session must be purchased via RingGo or a cashless payment terminal.

Change of vehicle

Please register the replacement car's details with the Car Parking Office, car-parking@lancaster.ac.uk, to transfer a permit to a new vehicle.

Contractor parking

Contractors can apply for an annual, termly or monthly parking permit via the Car Parking Office, car-parking@lancaster.ac.uk. Alternatively, they can pay via RingGo or a payment machine for daily parking. Please refer to the Contractor Parking Policy.

Deliveries

Each image taken by the ANPR cameras are reviewed manually. Where the vehicle is obviously a service vehicle (i.e., taxi, bus, bin wagon, coach, etc), a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will not be issued and there will be no need to register the vehicle. However, if the vehicle is parked irresponsibly (e.g., blocking an emergency exit or on double yellow lines), Lancaster University Security may issue a PCN.

Emergency call outs

Staff with an annual permit can park in any zone on campus at any time of day, Monday - Sunday.

Staff without an annual permit can take advantage of the one-hour free period.

If the callout lasts longer than one hour, please contact the Car Parking Office, car-parking@lancaster.ac.uk, with callout information and vehicle details.

One-hour free

The first hour parking on campus will be free to allow for pick-ups, drop-offs, and deliveries. Charges will apply for vehicles parked for longer than one hour. Charges will include the first hour parked. Please note, the free hour begins when the vehicle enters campus, not when the vehicle is parked.

Parking zones

There will be no differentiation between staff and visitor parking zones, except for Bowland Avenue’s Welcome Centre car park, which will remain visitor-only. 

Car parking on campus will be split into four zones:

• Main Campus (including HIC)
• Alexandra Park
• Sports Field Car Park*
• Sports Centre Car Park*

Vehicles registered with a daily parking session on Main Campus can park in any appropriate parking bay in the Main Campus zone**

Vehicles registered with a daily parking session on Alexandra Park or the Sports Field Car Park must remain in those zones.

Students who have an approved parking permit must park on Alexandra Park only.

Staff and student registered Blue Badge Holders can park in any accessible bay, displaying the appropriate blue badge.

*2 hours free parking for Sports Centre users. 

**Please see separate policies for Accessible and EV parking. 

Staff scratch cards

Individual daily scratch cards will be discontinued on Tuesday 30 September 2025. Staff members who have not purchased an annual permit should purchase daily parking sessions using RingGo or card payment.

• View the daily parking charges, effective from Wednesday 1 October 2025
• View the annual staff parking permit charges, effective from Wednesday 1 October 2025 (link opens in new window)

Any leftover scratch cards cannot be refunded on an individual basis.

Visitor scratch cards

A digital solution is being developed to replace visitor scratch cards for departments. This will be communicated in September. Departments, faculties, and divisions can return any unused visitor scratch cards to the Security Building to receive a reimbursement via budget code.

Vehicle ownership and PCNs

Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) will be sent to the registered address of the vehicle’s keeper. Please ensure the vehicle details are up to date.

University events

There will be no charge for parking during Graduations, Open Days, and Offer Holder Events.