Parking at SSP

The ANPR system introduced on 1 May, 2017 records the number plates of all cars entering and leaving the two main Surrey Sports Park car parks.

• The system offers 3 hours of free parking and requires no action from anyone parked if leaving within the time period.
• If a user’s stay is longer than 3 hours, the user will be expected to report to Reception and register their number plate details and reason for extending their visit. A parking exemption of a further 2 hours can then be applied for that registration number.
• Any cars parked for longer than 3 hours with no details entered at a contact point will automatically incur a parking penalty notice of £100, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
• All parking charge notices will be sent out through the post to the registered keeper of the vehicle.

In addition to the ANPR system, we have deployed Horizon parking staff into the car park at known busy periods to ensure that cars are parked in allocated parking spaces. This is in response to cars that have frequently been seen on double yellow lines, in disabled bays with no valid badge, in the drop off bay and in the coach park.

A Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of £100 will be issued where vehicle users:

• Exceed the maximum stay.
• Return within 1 hour.
• Park between 23.30 – 06:00.
• Park on double yellow lines or hatched areas.
• Park out of marked bays.
• Park obstructively.
• Park in a disabled bay without displaying valid disabled badge.

Following guest feedback, we would like to address a number of frequently asked questions and concerns surrounding the new ANPR system:

Why is the ANPR system necessary?
Surveys confirmed our car parks were being used on a regular basis by people not ultilising the facilities. This limited the number of open bays available for valid visitors and led to some drivers parking outside of designated bays. As part of the building consent with the local council, the University has an obligation to manage the designated bays provided to Surrey Sports Park and allowing cars to park on yellow lines contravenes this consent and is also obstructive for those wanting to park correctly.

Please explain the ‘no return within 1 hour’ rule.
The ‘no return’ policy is the period of time following a 3 hour or 5 hour stay. Those popping to and from the Sports Park within these times are unaffected (5 hours applies when additional time has been granted at one of the touch points). Without this, users could park for an unlimited time if they pop out at 3 hour intervals. This is possible with the varying academic and professional buildings in close proximity.

Why can’t the top car parks be members only?
Exempting members for the top two car parks does not deal with the volume of people parking and not using the building. Members were included in the cars that were surveyed. We also do not hold the same amount of car parking spaces as we do members. There will always be a period where car park 3 will be needed.

What will happen on event days?
Large event days which attract extra traffic will be managed on an individual basis and tailored to the need. We will retain flexibility with the ANPR system and can turn cameras off if necessary. We will continue to provide marshals with the aim of helping people park their vehicles in designated bays.

Why can’t I park on yellow lines, some are not in the way?
The University of Surrey cannot add or create spaces in addition to the designated parking bays that were granted as part of the planning consent for Surrey Sports Park. Allowing parking on yellow lines, in grass areas or on crossed hatchings is a direct contravention of the permitted planning consent.

Why do I need to speak with staff for the extra 2 hours? I should be able input my details myself?
Staff need to confirm what the extra time is needed for. Direct member or guest use opens the system up to illegitimate parking and the ability to walk through the building, claim extra time and leave without any staff engagement. Surrey Sports Park acknowledge that this requires additional time during the initial 3 hours however the check is quick to complete at either reception, the Health and Fitness Suite or The Bench Sport Bar.

Where will I park for away fixtures?
The system ensures that people using the building are able to park. If your activity is not at the Sports Park then you will not be able to leave your vehicle.

Appeals Process
To contest a PCN you will need to contact Horizon Parking.

Write to: Horizon Parking, Appeals Department, Finitor House, 2 Hanbury Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3AE
Email: appeal@horizonparking.co.uk
Call: 01245 392 289