University parking is going digital: what you need to know
By: Maria Andreou
Last updated: Friday, 27 September 2024
The University is transitioning to a paperless parking system from Monday 14 October.
The new system uses an online self-service portal to manage parking permits with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras recording all vehicles that access campus. The new system aims to simplify parking on campus for everyone.
The following information applies from Monday 14 October.
How does paperless parking work?
As you enter and exit campus by road, a camera will record your vehicle registration number.
The first 60 minutes of parking on campus are free. After this time, the system checks which vehicles have paid for parking and which vehicles have permission to park on campus free of charge.
Anyone who parks on campus for more than 60 minutes and does not pay their parking charge, or parks in unauthorised areas, will be automatically issued a Parking Charge Notice (PCN). More information about parking enforcement on campus is available on the Transport Office webpages.
I’m a student – do I need a paperless parking permit to park my car on campus?
For the majority of students, visitor parking charges apply during campus peak hours which are between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Some exceptions apply, please check the eligibility criteria to see if you qualify for a peak-time student parking permit.
If you wish to park on campus outside off-peak hours, you can access free parking by applying for an Off-Peak Student Parking Permit.
Please note – if you don’t have an Off-Peak Student Parking Permit, you will need to ensure you pay visitor parking charges to avoid being fined.
If you are eligible for a peak-time Student Parking Permit or want to apply for an Off-Peak Permit, you can sign up online via this new online paperless parking portal.
I’m a Blue Badge holder – what do I need to do?
Blue Badge holders can park anywhere on campus for free.
Although you don’t need to apply for a parking permit, please register your vehicle details with the Transport Office so that your vehicle can be recognised by the ANPR cameras as being exempt from charges and to avoid being issued a PCN.
Where can I find out more about visitor parking?
We encourage students to use public transport to and from campus, but visitor car parking is also available for students.
Parking for the first hour is free, after which visitor parking charges apply 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, for non-permit holders. More details on visitor parking charges and times are available on the Transport Office webpages.
To pay for visitor parking, either download the PayByPhone app on your phone, or visit the PayByPhone website, and enter the code available at one of the visitor car parks on campus.
Alternatively, you can pay for daily parking via phone (01273 78 5599) following the information on signage at campus car parks.
Being dropped to campus or collected? You won’t need to pay for parking as the first 60 minutes of parking are free of charge.
Campus residents
There is no parking charge for vehicles for the first 60 minutes from the time they enter campus – this allows plenty of time for taxies and deliveries (e.g. your supermarket delivery or take-away delivery) to access campus, without needing to pay a charge.
If you are having visitors to campus who intend to use campus car parks, please remind them to use a designated visitor car park and pay for visitor parking to avoid a PCN.
Sustainable travel
Travelling sustainably can be cheaper than driving and help reduce our campus’ carbon footprint.
The campus has easy access to public transport, with frequent bus services throughout the day, and Falmer railway station is right on our doorstep. And don’t forget, you can travel around campus for free on Brighton & Hove Bus services if you show your student ID card.
Find out more
Visit the Transport Office webpages for more information on student parking and read our comprehensive FAQs to find out more.
For questions or feedback, please contact the Transport Office at transport@sef.fm.