Delamere Forest ANPR FAQs
We have introduced an ANPR parking system in the main visitor centre car park at Delamere Forest. Please see below for any FAQ’s.
General:
Q: What is ANPR?
A: ANPR stands for Automatic Number Plate Recognition. It is a parking system that recognises car number plates when they enter and leave a car park. It calculates how long a car has been parked.
Q: How does the system work?
A: Upon entry to the site, the system records your number plate. When you’re ready to leave, enter your number plate into one of the machines and it will tell you how much you owe based on how long you’ve been on site. Your number plate will be recognised on exit and the system will know you have paid.
If you’re a Member it will work differently – see additional Member FAQs below.
Q: Are all the car parks at Delamere Forest using ANPR?
A: No. Our Whitefield and Tree Tops car parks are still pay and display. If you’re a Member, please see the Member FAQs below for more information.
Q: What is my car park charge used for?
A: When you pay for car parking or buy a membership you are making a direct contribution to the forest. From children’s play areas to walking and cycling trails, your money goes towards making the forest a great place to visit. Forestry England is working hard to protect and improve the forest and everything that it has to offer.
One-off visitors:
Q: Can I pop by for a quick visit, i.e. to the bike shop to collect something?
A: For shorter visits such as drop-offs, deliveries or collections, you receive 20 minutes free of charge.
Q: Is it free to park after 6pm?
A: Parking charges apply at all times. See our website for current opening times.
Q: Do Blue Badge holders have to pay for parking?
A: As before, Blue Badge holders are required to pay for parking when visiting.
Q: Can you pay by card or cash?
A: All pay stations accept card payments. Some of the machines close to the visitor information point accept cash but we’d encourage you to pay by card whenever possible. You can also use the Glide phone app to allow you to pay without needing to visit a pay station. You can download it before you arrive on Google Play or on the App Store.
Q: Will I receive a ticket once I have paid?
A: No. Our new ANPR car parking system in our main visitor centre car park is pay on exit so you no longer need to ‘Pay and Display’. The system will know you have paid when you exit as it will automatically recognise your number plate.
Our Whitefield and Tree Tops car parks are still pay and display so you will need to buy and display a parking ticket when you arrive.
Q: Are the pay stations touch free?
A: No. The pay stations are touch screen and you will be required to enter your registration and make a few other selections. We will be cleaning the screens when we can but you should come prepared to wash your hands if facilities are available and bring your own hand sanitiser.
You can also use the Glide parking app which enables you to pay without needing to visit a pay station. If you visit regularly, membership includes free car parking and eliminates the need to visit a pay station.
Q: When should I pay for parking?
A: When parking in the ANPR main visitor centre car park please pay for your parking just before you leave.
Our Whitefield and Tree Tops car parks are still pay and display, so for these you will need to buy and display a parking ticket when you arrive.
Q: How do I become a member?
A: The best way to find out more or become a member is on-line on our website.
Forestry England members:
Q: How does the system work for members?
A: Members vehicle registration plates will be automatically recognised when parking in the main visitor centre car park. So you do not need to visit a pay station. If you experience any issue with your Membership, please contact the membership team at membership@forestryengland.uk , or call 0300 068 0400 so we can help (Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm) or you can contact our visitor information point on-site, subject to opening times.
Some of our carparks (Whitefields and Tree Tops) are still pay and display so make sure you also still display your Membership car disc whenever visiting Delamere Forest. Please use the holder included to help display and transfer it.
Q: I have a new vehicle, what should I do?
A: Please keep us informed of any vehicle changes by logging into your account and updating details no later than the day before your next visit. This timing is essential to ensure the system recognises your new vehicle.
Q: I have not been able to update my details before my visit. What should I do?
A: Please go to the visitor information point when you arrive so our staff can assist you and avoid you receiving a fine in error. If necessary, please update your details on-line before your next visit.