Southeastern has introduced Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology at some of its station car parks to avoid customers having to return to their vehicle to ‘pay and display’ their tickets.

The ANPR technology went live this morning, Monday, 24th February.

Until now, after customers have paid for their parking, they needed to return to their vehicle to display their parking ticket before boarding the train.

The new technology will not affect customers who already pay via APCOA or over the phone.

They can continue to use this method and will not notice any changes to their payment.

For those customers who currently pay for parking at ticket offices, they will need to use one of the following options:

• Using a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) at the station, with most machines accepting cash as well as cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
• Call 01895 262122 or text 07860 006000 and quote the Location Code displayed on signs in the car park
• Go online to apcoaconnect.com
• Scan the QR code located on signs in the car park
• Download the APCOA Connect app

The new ANPR system is being rolled out at 42 stations across Southeastern’s network.

It is being introduced in phases and will be fully operational at the 42 selected stations by the end of March.

A project to introduce ANPR at Southeastern car parks was suspended last year to allow time for ticket vending machines to be modified to accept cash payments.

A few stations cannot accept cash for parking, and these are listed on the Southeastern website along with alternative ways to pay.

To provide a standard and consistent approach for all stations across Southeastern’s network, all stations will now have the same payment options, with enforcement continuing to be provided by patrols, as previously.

Other recent improvements to benefit Southeastern’s customers include the introduction of an app. that allows travellers to track their journeys in real time and fitting toilets to its CityBeam trains.

“We are continuing to invest in our stations and our car parks to make it simpler, easier and more welcoming to travel by train. The majority of customers who already pay via APCOA or over the phone can continue to do so and will not notice any changes to parking arrangements. We would encourage customers who have questions to read the information in our stations, speak to a Southeastern colleague or visit our website to find out more.”

Alicia Andrews, Commercial Director at Southeastern