The University of Bath

Effective enforcement within the education sector requires a sensitive approach. Promoting good parking practices helps minimise the need for aggressive enforcement measures. In consultation with the University of Bath, First Parking developed vehicle control procedures that were fair to both staff and students while ensuring adherence to all relevant regulations.

Site Survey and Compliance:

• First Parking conducted a full site survey to ensure that the University’s car parks were fully compliant with the Approved Operator Scheme.
• Recommendations were made regarding appropriate signage and the necessary equipment and software to implement an efficient and compliant parking enforcement system.

Implementation of a Fully Integrated Permit System:

• First Parking introduced a fully integrated permit system tailored to the University’s specific needs. This system allowed for seamless management of permits for staff, students, and visitors, ensuring that only authorised vehicles could park on campus.
• The permit system was linked directly to the University’s internal databases, enabling automatic updates and reducing the administrative burden on University staff.
• The system supported both digital and physical permits, providing flexibility for users and ensuring that enforcement officers could verify permits in real-time using handheld devices.

Introduction of “Pay by Phone” Options:

• To modernise the parking payment system, First Parking introduced a “Pay by Phone” option across the University’s car parks, allowing staff, students, and visitors to conveniently pay via a mobile app. This eliminated the need for traditional pay and display machines, streamlining the process and reducing the reliance on on-site payment infrastructure.

Enforcement Strategy:

• The University, in consultation with all stakeholders, determined the new parking policy.
• University-employed Parking Enforcement Officers were trained and equipped by First Parking to patrol the campus and issue Parking Charges to vehicles not adhering to the rules.

Technology and Management:

• First Parking provided all enforcement equipment, including Samsung Galaxy Android handheld devices with Otter Box Defender cases and Zebra mobile printers.
• The handheld devices were equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) scanning technology, allowing enforcement officers to instantly verify vehicle registration details against the permit database. This enhanced the speed and accuracy of enforcement, ensuring that only authorised vehicles were parked on campus.
• Full technical support was included, with same-day replacement for any faulty devices.
• First Parking’s in-house software and back-office staff handled all processing and system management, relieving the University of any additional daily resource requirements.
• The integrated permit system and “Pay by Phone” options were seamlessly incorporated into the enforcement strategy, allowing officers to verify payments and permits and issue warnings or Parking Charges instantly, ensuring accurate and efficient enforcement.

The implementation of the new parking management system, including the fully integrated permit system, “Pay by Phone” options, and ANPR scanning technology, delivered significant improvements across the University:

1. Enhanced Parking Compliance:
   • The integrated permit system, combined with handheld ANPR scanning, led to better control over parking spaces, reducing unauthorised parking and ensuring that spaces were used by those who genuinely needed them.
   • The “Pay by Phone” options simplified the payment process, making it easier for users to comply with parking regulations.
   • A noticeable reduction in parking on yellow lines, the misuse of disabled bays and free limited waiting bays, and the abuse of reserved spaces.
   • Increased accessibility and fairness in parking availability.
2. Improved Traffic Flow:
   • The new system reduced traffic circulation as drivers searched for parking spaces, easing congestion on campus.
3. Transparency and Real-Time Management:
   • The implementation of clear and transparent parking management guidelines, supported by real-time updates, ensured accurate enforcement and maximised compliance with parking regulations.
   • The integrated permit system, combined with ANPR scanning, provided real-time data on permit usage and availability, allowing for dynamic management of parking resources.
   • The Security Department gained access to real-time data at the touch of a button, enhancing their ability to manage car parks effectively.
4. Increased Revenue:
   • The University saw a 20% increase in revenue from permits and “Pay by Phone” payments, and a 100% increase in Parking Charge revenue, partially attributed to the improved permit system and enhanced enforcement accuracy through ANPR technology.
5. Efficient Enforcement Operations:
   • The integrated permit system and handheld ANPR scanning allowed for seamless verification and enforcement, reducing the time spent by officers on manual checks and increasing the overall efficiency of parking operations.
6. Encouragement of Sustainable Transport:
   • The new parking arrangements, supported by the permit system and “Pay by Phone” options, encouraged staff and students to utilise public transport and the University bus service, promoting more sustainable travel options.

Conclusion

The comprehensive parking management solution provided by First Parking, including the implementation of a fully integrated permit system, “Pay by Phone” options, and handheld ANPR scanning technology, successfully addressed the challenges faced by the University of Bath. Through a combination of advanced technology, effective enforcement strategies, and close consultation with the University, the new system not only improved parking compliance and increased revenue but also contributed to a more sustainable, efficiently managed, and accessible campus.