LNER introduces contactless parking payment

‘COVID Safe’ system supplied by HUB Parking Technology

Train operator London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is to introduce a contactless parking system across the East Coast route to enable customers to have a contactless journey experience from door-to-door.

Car parks at 10 LNER managed stations will start to use a system of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras on entry and exit. For the first time, customers can pre-book a parking space via a new LNER Parking app and on the LNER website.

The system, which enables contactless card payment and pre-booking, is part of the company’s ‘COVID Safe’ system.

The new system is designed to give peace of mind to customers, looking to reduce their use of high-contact areas, as they will no longer need to have a physical ticket or use a manual payment machine. Customers exiting the car parks will be able to pay via contactless card, or via the LNER Parking app that will allow customers to leave automatically via the new ANPR technology.

The system will be introduced in October, when the new technology and signage will be installed in partnership with HUB Parking Technology.

Claire Ansley, director of customer experience at LNER, said: “We are committed to making travel simpler and smarter so this new car parking system combined with our mobile ticket app, will mean that customers can complete their entire journey without the need of a physical ticket or having to use a payment machine.

“We also believe this will help give customers greater confidence when they travel by removing contact with equipment often touched by many people.”

Lee Burton, managing director of HUB Parking Technology, said: “As a company, we look to create the best parking facilities available, providing a brilliant and efficient service to customers. We are, therefore, delighted to expand our relationship with LNER and help to introduce a brand new system across the entire route.”

Season passholders will be able to use the app to purchase a season pass that, once paid, will allow access through the entries and exits via ANPR.

Drop-off and short-stay areas will also be controlled by ANPR technology without any barriers. The same range of payment options available through local pay stations, online pre-payment and season pass parking will still be available via the LNER app.

The new system follows the introduction of LNER’s car parking offer in August at most LNER managed car parks. Customers can park for £5 a day after 9.30am Monday-Friday or for those having a long weekend, park anytime Friday to Monday for just £12.