These FAQs will be updated as more information is confirmed about the upcoming changes to the management of University car parks.
Parking Policy Update – December 2024
Planned changes to the University’s car parking policy, charges and enforcement will be paused and reviewed in the new year.
The University announced in 2023/24 that car parking tariffs would increase in the new academic year – the first significant increase in rates for more than a decade. The roll-out was deferred to provide more time for the necessary technical and physical infrastructure to be put in place, including a new virtual permit system which will enable use of ANPR technology at entry barriers.
Development of these systems and their integration has proven very complex and the University will not implement the new policy without full confidence in the underlying infrastructure. Our goal is to manage access to our car parks simply and securely, ensuring staff, students and visitors are treated fairly, while reducing carbon emissions associated with staff transport and covering more of the costs of maintaining the estate.
The pause in roll-out of the new policy, pending a review in early 2025, means that:
· Existing physical parking permits (badges with 31 July 2024 expiry dates) will remain valid until further notice.
· Increases in parking tariffs, including the introduction of charges at Riseholme and Holbeach campuses, will be deferred until further notice.
· Payroll deductions for existing parking permits will continue as normal unless you choose to cancel them.
· Colleagues can continue to purchase day-rate scratch cards to park on campus if you do not want to pay monthly for a permit.
More information will be shared in the new year as the policy review progresses. Colleagues will be given ample time to prepare for any changes. An update will also be shared with students. For further information, please visit the Estates microsite lncn.ac/parking or contact the Estates Support Desk by email estatessupport@lincoln.ac.uk.
09/09/2024 - Parking Policy Changes Deferred
Changes to the University’s car parking policy and rates which were due to take effect from October 2024 will be deferred.
This will provide more time for necessary infrastructure changes to be completed and for colleagues to apply for new-style virtual permits.
Existing physical permits will remain valid and current parking rates will be unchanged until further notice.
Colleagues do not need to take any action now: if you already pay for a permit, you can continue to park by displaying this in your vehicle and payroll deductions will continue as normal, unless you request otherwise. If you have cancelled your permit in advance of the original implementation date, please contact Estates Support via estatessupport@lincoln.ac.uk.
The revised date for adoption of the new policy (including tariff increases) and the process for applying for virtual permits will be shared with all colleagues once completion dates are confirmed for installation of physical and technical infrastructure.
25/07/2024 Increase in Staff Car Parking Rates in 2024/25
Staff car parking rates will increase in the 2024/25 academic year across the University estate. This is inclusive of the Brayford, Riseholme and Holbeach campuses.
The changes will be the first time in more than a decade that parking charges have increased significantly. The upcoming changes to charging can be viewed below.
Rates will continue to be tiered so that colleagues on higher salary grades pay more. For the first time, they will also be weighted partly on vehicle emissions, so drivers of lower-pollution vehicles are charged less. Reducing carbon emissions associated with staff travel is an important element of the University’s strategy to reduce our CO2 emissions with a goal to reach Net Zero by 2040.
Colleagues on salary grades 3-5 will pay the lowest monthly rate (ranging from £12-£19 a month depending on vehicle emissions). Senior managers will pay the most (ranging from £27-£42.75 a month depending on vehicle emissions). Pay-as-you-go daily rates will also be available, starting at £1 a day. Currently, monthly rates range from £4-£12 across all salary bands.
There will be two possible methods of payment for staff parking:
- Annual virtual permit, paid monthly via salary deduction.
- Pay-as-you-go app-based payment system via the RingGo app.
Both methods will carry the same daily charge. However, the pay-as-you-go system will offer more flexibility for people requiring parking for less than three days per week.
As of the 9 September 2024 update, parking users are advised that existing physical permits will remain valid and current parking rates will be unchanged until further notice.
It is intended that the physical permit system will be replaced with a virtual parking permit system. Details on how to apply will be cascaded to all staff in coming weeks.
The University will be implementing new parking policy enforcement provision 2024/25, including the adoption of ANPR technologies, in addition to the current parking warden system. More information will be provided prior to any changes.
Why is the University increasing parking charges?
Staff car parking rates will increase in the 2024/25 academic year across the University estate. This is inclusive of the Brayford, Riseholme and Holbeach campuses.
The changes will be the first time in more than a decade that parking charges have increased significantly. Maintenance of the estate is a significant cost for the University. The increased parking rates will mean users of car parking facilities contribute more to the cost of their upkeep.
What will the charges be and how will I pay?
Parking Charge Structures
There will be two possible methods of payment for car parking at the University.
- Annual virtual permit, paid monthly via salary deduction.
- Pay-as-you-go app-based payment system via the RingGo app.
Both methods will incur the same daily charge. However, the pay-as-you-go system allows flexibility for those requiring parking for less than 3 days per week, which is aligned with the Agile Working Policy.
The University will operate a carbon emissions-based car parking charge structure. Individuals that are entitled to use University car parks are required to register their on the ANPR system via the Estates Support Desk, using their vehicle registration number and the carbon emissions associated with that vehicle.
What will the charges be and how will I pay?
The monthly parking charges are set out below for all sites. This can be multiplied by 12 for an annual charge, paid monthly via salary deduction.
| All sites | |||
| Vehicle emissions band | Staff levels 3-5 | Staff levels 6-10 | Senior Management Group |
| 100g/km or less/Motorcycles | £12.00 | £18.00 | £27.00 |
| 101-150g/km | £14.00 | £21.00 | £31.50 |
| 151-200g*/km | £16.00 | £24.00 | £36.00 |
| 201g/km or above | £19.00 | £28.50 | £42.75 |
The alternative method of payment for parking is by a ‘pay-as-you-go’ system. The daily charges for all sites are set out below.
| All sites | |||
| Vehicle emissions band | Staff levels 3-5 | Staff levels 6-10 | Senior Management Group |
| 100g/km or less/Motorcycles | £1.00 | £1.50 | £2.25 |
| 101-150g/km | £1.17 | £1.75 | £2.63 |
| 151-200g*/km | £1.33 | £2.00 | £3.00 |
| 201g/km or above | £1.58 | £2.38 | £3.56 |
This includes staff with a Blue Badge permit and those with an accessible permit, issued by the Occupational Health team.
Senior management refers to the Senior Management Group (SMG) in relation to the University Parking Policy. Grade 6-10 are not senior management in relation to this policy.
*Typing error amended.
How does this compare with other parking charges in Lincoln?
Comparison to Lincoln City Centre car parking charges
| Car park | Daily fee | Annual pass (if available) |
Lincoln City Council car parks:
|
£9.50 | £1431 |
| NCP Lincoln High Street | £10.95 | ~£1,168 (from £3.20 per day) |
| NCP Lincoln Central | £12.95 | ~£1,200 (from £3.29 per day) |
Will the University be retaining physical parking permits?
Estates will be replacing the physical permits with a virtual permit system. Anyone who uses University car parks will have a responsibility to ensure that they have registered their vehicle through the Estates Support Desk. It is your responsibility to accurately share your correct vehicle (the vehicle that you will be using on site) information including the registration, make and emission data.
Details on how to register your vehicle will be communicated closer to the start date.
If you register more than one vehicle, your payment band will be weighted to the highest emission tariff.
All those who hold a University parking permit at present will be required to keep their physical parking permit on display, as per University Parking Policy, until further notice.
How will I find out what my vehicle emissions are?
You can find out your vehicle emissions via the following website: https://vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk/
It will be your responsibility to inform the Support Desk of the correct emission data of your vehicle. If you inform us of an incorrect band, you will be in contravention of the parking policy.
What will be the process for Blue Badge Holders?
The payment charges will also apply to Blue Badge holders.
Members of staff with Blue Badges, who wish to use University Car Parks, will need to register their vehicle in advance and provide photographic proof of their Blue Badge. They must also display their Blue Badge when parked in a designated Blue Badge parking bay.
Weekends, evenings, & Bank Holidays
Outside of University staff working hours, at weekends, evenings and bank holidays, the Boulevard car park will open to the public between 16:30 – 08:00 Monday – Friday and 24 hours at weekends.
If you pay a monthly charge, you will be able to use the car park daily.
Will I have to pay to park at different campuses on the same day?
Staff will not need to pay to park more than once during a single working day if travelling between campuses.
What will be the process for visitor parking?
Visitors, other than VIPs, will be required to pay to park at all three campuses. Visitors will pay for parking using the RingGo app. Visitor parking will be at a first come, first served basis.
At the Brayford Campus, there will be a newly designated visitor car park, previously known as the “Gravel car park” adjacent to the Security Booth at the Boulevard.
Visitors
Designated parking will be operated using a web-based ‘pay as you go’ system.
Once parked in a designated parking space, visitors will use the app to pay, registering their vehicle registration number and selecting the time-period they wish to pay for.
| Time | Cost |
| 0-2 hours | £2.50 |
| 2-4 hours | £4.00 |
| All day | £6.00 |
There will be a limited number of visitor parking bays on the North side of the Brayford Campus, that can be allocated through the Estates Support Desk. Visitors will be subject to parking charges in these bays.
Disabled visitors can be booked in via the Estates Support Desk to ensure that they have a dedicated space on site.
What will be the process for student parking?
Students will be advised of updates to the University Parking Policy which will affect them in a communication later in November.
Please contact Student Support in the first instance for student parking related queries.
Is there a drop off period?
Drop-off period
Vehicles will be permitted to enter University car parking zones for a period of 20 minutes, without incurring a charge.
Coaches and other long wheeled vehicles:
Coaches, minibuses and other long wheeled vehicles will be subject to a one-way system at the Boulevard car park. Drivers are advised to drive through the Boulevard, turning right at the Janet-Lane Claypon building, drive behind the Peter de Wint and Nicola de la Haye, before turning right at the Lincoln Arts Centre, past the bus stop, to leave via the small roundabout at the entrance. Passengers can be dropped off at the bus stop, but vehicles must not park here; access is required for the Campus Linc Shuttlebus.
We are currently awaiting signage to be installed to indicate this.
How will the policy be enforced?
Car Parking Penalty Charge
An ANPR system will be used to check vehicle registration details are valid and that the appropriate payment has been made.
A parking warden will continue to patrol the car park at the Brayford Campus, and beginning at Riseholme Park and Holbeach Campus, to ensure vehicles are parked in the correct designated spaces.
Anyone found to be contravening the car parking policy will be issued with a parking charge notice of £100, or £60 if paid within 14 days.
What if I want to cancel my permit?
What will be the process for multiple vehicles?
The University Parking Policy does not guarantee a parking space on any campus at any one time. Those who pay to use the car parking facilities are only permitted to park one vehicle at a time.
How will parking work for contractors?
What will happen to scratch cards?
Parking scratch cards will not be valid for use on the University estate after the new system goes live. Any unused scratch cards can be refunded in full by contacting the Estates Support Desk, scratch cards must be physically returned to Estates at Lawress Hall during working hours before a refund can be processed. Staff must provide their name for order number confirmation.
Will those using electric vehicles be charged?
Those using electric vehicles will be required to pay to use University car parks and will generally be subject to the lowest charging band.
Where will the Parking charges extend to at Riseholme Park?
The University Parking Policy will encompass every car park at Riseholme Park. Users are reminded that they will be in contravention of the policy if they park on pavements, university owned roads and verges.
If there is a question you would like adding to these FAQs, please email estatessupport@lincoln.ac.uk with the subject line of “Parking FAQ request”.
Last update: 11/12/24