

Managing Car Parks the Modern Way
Car parks are an important part of our daily lives. Whether we are shopping, visiting friends, or going to work, we often need a place to park our cars. In the past, managing a car park was a manual job, with attendants, barriers, and tickets. Today, things have changed. Thanks to modern technology, car parks can now be managed more efficiently using ANPR, which stands for Automatic Number Plate Recognition.
But that’s not all — modern car park management also includes ways to make parking easier for everyone, from digital permits to dedicated customer service.
1. What is ANPR?
ANPR is a clever system that uses cameras to read the number plates of vehicles as they enter and leave a car park. These cameras capture the details of each car, and the information is sent to a computer system that monitors the car park.

At Park & Control, we use ANPR to help businesses manage their car parks more easily. The system automatically keeps track of all the vehicles, ensuring that only the right cars are allowed in and that everyone follows the parking rules.
But parking management doesn’t stop there. Modern solutions make it easier than ever for people to access permits, get exemptions, and solve problems quickly.
2. How Does ANPR Help Car
Parks?
ANPR technology brings many benefits to car parks, making them easier to manage and more pleasant to use.
• Faster Entry and Exit: With ANPR, cars no longer need to stop to collect tickets or wait at barriers. Instead, the system reads their number plates, allowing cars to flow smoothly in and out of the car park. This saves time and reduces queues, especially during busy periods.
• Lower Costs: Unlike old-fashioned barriers and ticket machines, ANPR systems are cheaper to maintain. This means that car park owners can save money by using ANPR. The system also requires fewer staff, which means more savings in the long run.
• Better Security: ANPR cameras act as a deterrent to crime because they record every car that enters and exits the car park. This helps to keep the car park safe and secure. At Park & Control, we combine ANPR with other security measures to ensure the highest level of protection.
3. How Modern Technology Helps People Get Permits
Parking management isn’t just about technology that keeps things running smoothly — it’s also about making the experience easy for people.
Modern car parks now offer several ways to get parking permits quickly and conveniently:
• Phone Apps: With easy-to-use mobile apps, customers can apply for parking permits directly from their phones. Whether it’s for a onetime visit or a long-term stay, these apps allow users to register their vehicles, pay for permits, and even check availability in real-time.
• QR Codes: Some car parks provide QR codes at entrances or kiosks. By scanning the code with a smartphone, customers can quickly access an online portal where they can apply for a permit or extend their parking time. This is especially helpful in busy areas where time is of the essence.

• Online Exemption Portals: Sometimes, people need special permission to park, like when visiting a friend’s home in a residential complex, or attending an event, so they may need to be exempt from standard parking rules. Online exemption portals make this easy, allowing people to register their vehicle for temporary exemptions from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Call Centre Support: If you’d prefer to speak to someone, Park & Control’s has a friendly call centre, open night and day. If there’s an issue with a permit, a problem with the car park, or if a parking charge needs to be cancelled, the call centre is ready to help. Customers can quickly resolve their issues over the phone, making the process hassle-free.
4. Real-World Examples: Park & Control in Action
Park & Control has helped many businesses improve their car parks with ANPR technology and modern solutions that make parking easier for everyone. Let’s take a look at how Park & Control manages car parks at Hampstead Heath.
East Heath Road Car Park, Hampstead Heath
The East Heath Road Car Park is a busy spot for people visiting Hampstead Heath. With 110 spaces, it’s a great place to park if you want to explore the beautiful greenery of the Heath or visit the ponds.
At this car park, ANPR cameras watch over the cars, making sure that everything runs smoothly. Visitors can pay for their parking using an easy app on their phone. This way, everyone can enjoy their time at the Heath, knowing their car is safe and sound.

Parliament Hill Lido Car Park, Hampstead Heath
The Parliament Hill Lido Car Park is another popular place to park when visiting Hampstead Heath. It has 45 spaces, and lots of people come here to go swimming at the Lido or enjoy the playground nearby.
ANPR cameras keep an eye on the cars, making sure there’s always space for everyone who needs it. Just like at East Heath Road, visitors can pay for parking easily with their phones, so they can spend more time having fun at the Heath and less time worrying about their car.
5. Park & Control Serves All Kinds of Car Parks
Park & Control helps manage car parks for all sorts of places. Whether it’s a church, a gym, a hotel, or a residential complex, Park & Control is there to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Churches
Church car parks are often used for events and services. ANPR technology helps ensure that there’s enough space for visitors and that parking rules are followed, without inconveniencing the local community.

Gyms
Gym and leisure centre car parks are always busy. With Park & Control’s help, members can find parking easily, and the system makes sure spaces are used by the right people.

Hotels
Hotel car parks need to be well-managed for guests staying overnight or attending events. Park & Control ensures that these spaces are reserved for hotel visitors, making their stay even more comfortable.

Residential Complexes
In residential areas, parking can be tricky. Park & Control helps by managing residential car parks, making sure that residents always have a space to park and that non-residents don’t take up the spaces.

Pubs
Pub car parks can fill up quickly, especially in local communities. ANPR technology makes sure that parking is available for pub customers, preventing non-customers from taking up the spaces.

Wherever there’s a need for parking, Park & Control is ready to help, making car parks more efficient and easier to manage.
Park & Control: The Future of Car Park Management
Thanks to ANPR technology, managing car parks is easier and more efficient than ever before. With the help of companies like Park & Control, businesses and private landowners can ensure that their car parks are secure, convenient, and welcoming to customers.
Modern tools like phone apps, QR codes, and online portals make getting permits easier than ever. And with dedicated call centre support, customers can solve problems quickly and get back to their day. As technology continues to advance, these solutions will play an even bigger role in making car parks smarter, safer, and more customer-friendly.
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