Southeastern Introduces High-Tech Parking System Across 38 Train Stations Starting August 19

Starting from August 19, a significant transformation in parking payment methods will be implemented across 38 train stations within the Southeastern network. Commuters will no longer have the option to pay for parking at station ticket offices or through ticket vending machines, marking a shift towards a more technologically advanced system. Southeastern is adopting an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system managed by Apcoa, which the company touts as being cost-effective, efficient, and secure. David Wornham, Southeastern's passenger services director, emphasized the advantages of the new system, stating that ANPR is a modern approach widely utilized not only by train operators but also in various sectors beyond transportation. This change is aimed at simplifying the parking experience for travelers, who will now be able to purchase parking tickets through the Apcoa app or by phone, eliminating the need to display a physical ticket in their vehicles. The transition affects a total of 45 car parks situated in Kent, East Sussex, and Greater London. To ensure that passengers are well-informed about these changes, displays outlining the new payment methods are being installed across the relevant stations. In addition to parking changes, Southeastern is also introducing a new taxi permit portal for taxi drivers, allowing them to register and apply for an annual permit electronically. This move is part of a broader effort to streamline services for both commuters and taxi operators. Apcoa representatives have highlighted that ANPR technology is not only prevalent in the UK parking industry but has also been successfully implemented across Europe for more than 15 years. The system provides a range of flexible payment options that cater to the needs of users, while also enhancing efficiency by automatically monitoring vehicles in diverse locations, including hospitals, retail spaces, leisure facilities, airports, and educational institutions. For any inquiries related to the new parking system, drivers can continue to access Apcoa's national customer service center, which will support the ANPR system in the same manner as before. As these changes roll out, Southeastern aims to provide a more user-friendly parking experience for its passengers, reflecting a growing trend towards digital solutions in public transport services.