In another step towards modernising Dunedin’s parking systems, DCC-owned carparks are going paperless with the upcoming installation of licence plate recognition (LPR) technology.
Just like the switch to Pay By Plate parking meters, licence plate recognition makes the parking experience smoother and quicker by removing the need for parking tickets, which means no more lost tickets and no more time-consuming repairs. It’s also estimated to save approximately 1168 square meters of paper per year, so it’s lighter on the environment.
Instead of tickets or access cards, a vehicle’s licence plate (also known as a number plate) is scanned by a camera at the entrance of the carpark, automatically logging the entry in the system and raising the barrier arm. The carpark user can then enter their plate number into the pay station to pay their fee before leaving. The pay stations will take credit/debit cards, Apple or Google Pay, and coins. The meters will not use PayMyPark or take notes.
Great King St carpark installation 23 & 24 March
The Great King Street carpark will be the first to undergo installation in the weekend of 23 and 24 March. The carpark will be closed to the public (except leaseholders) during the installation weekend, re-opening on Monday 25 March. Leaseholders at Great King St carpark will still be able to access their carpark during the installation weekend.
Where can I park instead on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March?
Alternative all-day parking is available both days at Thomas Burns carpark and St Andrew Street carpark, and on Sunday only at the Train Station carpark (the Otago Farmers Market uses this site on Saturdays). Wilson Parking carparks are also available on Great King Street, and the corner of Hanover and Cumberland Street.
Installation is planned for Wall Street carpark and Lower Moray Place carpark, which is expected to open after earthquake strengthening in June 2024.
-
Frequently asked questions
- How do I use licence plate technology?
When you enter the carpark, you won't need to swipe your card anymore, or press the button for a ticket. The camera will automatically scan your licence/number plate and the barrier arm will lift. You can park as normal. When you go to leave, your plate will be scanned at the exit, the barrier arm will lift, and your visit will be logged in the system.
- Where will the pay stations be located?
The pay stations will look similar to the upgraded street parking meters and located in the same place in the carpark as the previous ones.
- How can I pay for my parking?
The pay stations will take credit cards, Apple or Google Pay, and coins. The meters will not use PayMyPark, or take notes. There is no change to parking pricing as a result of LPR installation.
- Will I be charged if I enter the carpark but can’t find a park and have to leave again?
There will be a grace period in which you won’t be charged if you can’t find a park – we allow 10 minutes in this case from when your licence/number plate is scanned at the entrance.
- Are the cameras being used for checking the validity of my registration and WOF?
No, the cameras are only being used to scan the licence/number plate number of vehicles. They will not be used to capture expired WOFs or registrations. The only information accessible to Parking Operations is your licence plate, what time your vehicle entered and exited the carpark, and how much you paid.
- Who is able to access my data?
There is no personal information held in the system, and Council does not have access to your parking information for enforcement purposes.
- How do I use licence plate technology?
-
I’m a leaseholder at the Great King St carpark, what do I need to know?
Leaseholders will by now have received an email with information about the upgrade and what we require from you to pre-register your vehicle’s licence plate number/s. Please send an email to fleetops@dcc.govt.nz with your name, account number, and licence plate number/s by 22 March.
- Can we have multiple licence plates registered under one leaseholder?
You can register more than one vehicle against your account if you own several vehicles. This gives you the flexibility to enter the carpark as a leaseholder regardless of which of your registered vehicles you choose to use. If one of your other registered vehicles enters the carpark at the same time, the second vehicle will be recorded as a casual parker and will need to pay casual rates to exit the carpark.
- What do I do if I need to update my licence plate number?
If you need to update your licence plate number because you have a new vehicle and/or you have sold or disposed of a vehicle already registered, you will need to send an email to fleetops@dcc.govt.nz in order for your account and records to be kept up to date.
- What do I do with my old access card?
You no longer need your access card to use the carpark. They can be disposed off at the rubbish bins in the carpark or returned to Customer Services in the Civic Centre.
- Can we have multiple licence plates registered under one leaseholder?