Station Car Park Charges Explained

Finding convenient and affordable parking at train stations can often be a puzzle for commuters and travellers alike. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the parking charges and options available at our network of stations, ensuring you can plan your journey with confidence. We'll cover everything from daily tickets to season passes, special concessions for Blue Badge holders, and even the availability of electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

Understanding Parking Charges

Parking charges are applicable at most of our train station car parks, and they operate every day of the year, including public holidays. The only exceptions are 25 and 26 December, unless explicitly stated otherwise for a particular station. It's important to note that these charges can vary significantly from one station to another, and can also differ depending on the time of day and the day of the week you choose to park. This means you might encounter different pricing structures for peak hours, off-peak times, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

For those planning a longer trip, such as a long weekend, we offer special weekend parking rates. This often allows you to park from anytime on Friday until the end of service on Monday, providing a cost-effective solution for extended breaks.

Peak times, generally considered before 09:00 on weekdays (Monday to Friday), can experience higher demand. During these busy periods, we strongly recommend securing a parking space before proceeding to pay. It's also crucial to be aware that marked bays are exclusively reserved for car parking season ticket holders before 09:00 on weekdays. However, once this time passes, these bays become available for general use by any station user.

Blue Badge Parking: Special Concessions

We are committed to accessibility, and designated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders are available at many of our stations. To utilise these spaces, a valid European Blue Badge must be clearly displayed on your vehicle at all times.

For Blue Badge holders who register through our dedicated online portal, parking is provided complimentary. This is a significant benefit designed to ease the burden for disabled travellers. In instances where blue badge parking spaces are located within short-stay areas, there are no charges applied. However, it is imperative that you do not exceed the maximum parking duration of 20 minutes in these specific short-stay bays.

To avail yourself of this complimentary parking, please register for Complimentary Blue Badge Parking. This simple step ensures you can benefit from the accessible parking facilities without incurring any costs.

Daily Parking Tickets: Flexibility for Occasional Users

Daily parking tickets offer a flexible solution for those who do not require regular parking at the station. The charges for these tickets are variable, as mentioned earlier, depending on the station, time, and day.

How to Pay for Daily Parking

We've made paying for parking as convenient as possible with several options:

• RingGo App: The most modern and feature-rich method is by downloading the RingGo app onto your smartphone. Once set up, you'll gain access to a host of useful features, including text message reminders when your parking time is about to expire, and the ability to extend your stay remotely without needing to return to your vehicle. This offers unparalleled convenience.
• Online Booking: You can also book and pay for your parking online through the RingGo platform.
• RingGo Phone Service: For those who prefer a more traditional approach, you can call RingGo directly on 01256 80 28 04 to arrange payment.
• Self-Service Ticket Machines: For immediate needs, daily parking tickets are readily available from self-service ticket machines located within the stations.

Season Tickets: Savings for Regular Commuters

If you're a regular commuter or find yourself using station parking frequently, season tickets offer a more economical solution. We offer a range of season ticket options to suit different needs:

Weekly Car Parking Season Ticket

Purchasing a weekly season ticket is straightforward:

• Via the RingGo app, online, or by calling RingGo on 01256 80 28 04.
• From self-service ticket machines located at the stations.

Monthly Car Parking Season Ticket

Monthly season tickets can be acquired through most local ticket offices or by using the RingGo service (app, online, or phone). This provides a continuous and often discounted parking solution for the entire month.

Quarterly and Annual Car Parking Season Tickets

For the ultimate in long-term savings and convenience, quarterly and annual season tickets are available. These can be purchased from your local ticket office. Please note that these longer-term options may not be available at all stations, so it's advisable to check local availability.

Automatic Number Plate Registration (ANPR)

As part of our ongoing station improvement programme, we are implementing Automatic Number Plate Registration (ANPR) technology across several of our car parks. This cutting-edge system means that you will no longer be required to display a physical car parking season ticket in your vehicle's windscreen. The system automatically recognises your vehicle's registration, streamlining the process and enhancing security.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging

We are embracing the future of transport by providing EV charging facilities at several of our stations. Currently, we have 60 EV charging bays spread across 6 stations on our network. Here's a breakdown of the locations:

The chargers provided are 'slow' chargers, which are ideal for drivers who plan to leave their vehicles in the car park for several hours. This charging speed is perfectly suited for a full day's commute or a longer stay at the station.

Payment for EV charging can only be made using a card via the payment terminal directly at the EV charging point. The current initial charge is 53p per kWh, and this rate will be subject to regular reviews to ensure it remains competitive and sustainable.

It is crucial for all users to only park in designated EV charging bays if you are actively using the chargers. Any vehicles parked in these bays without utilising the charging facilities may be issued with a Penalty Notice. This policy ensures that charging bays are available for those who need them.

For any queries related to payments for EV charging, please direct your enquiries to: [email protected].

Parking Conditions and Further Information

For a complete understanding of the terms and conditions governing vehicle parking at our stations, you can download the full conditions of parking motor vehicles document. This PDF, weighing 73Kb, provides detailed information on all aspects of station parking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When do parking charges apply?

Parking charges apply every day, including public holidays, except on 25 and 26 December, or unless otherwise stated for a specific station.

Q2: How can I pay for parking?

You can pay using the RingGo app, online via RingGo, by calling RingGo on 01256 80 28 04, or at self-service ticket machines at the stations.

Q3: Are there discounted parking options?

Yes, season tickets (weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual) offer significant savings for regular users. Weekend parking rates are also available for long weekends.

Q4: What are the benefits of the RingGo app?

The RingGo app offers features like parking expiry reminders and the ability to extend your stay remotely, providing great convenience.

Q5: Is there specific parking for Blue Badge holders?

Yes, designated spaces are available at many stations. Parking is complimentary for registered Blue Badge holders. In short-stay areas, charges do not apply but a 20-minute limit is enforced.

Q6: Where can I find EV charging points?

EV charging bays are available at six specific stations: Andover, Basingstoke, Farnborough, Fleet, Haslemere, and Wokingham. Refer to the table above for specific bay numbers and car park locations.

Q7: How do I pay for EV charging?

Payment for EV charging is made by card at the terminal located at the charging point. The current rate is 53p/kWh.

We hope this guide provides clarity on all aspects of station car parking. Planning ahead ensures a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.