Wolverhampton Council launches 24/7 opening trial at Civic Centre car park in effort to boost night-time economy
A new trial has been started to allow visitors to Wolverhampton to park in a council park 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The 332-space Wolverhampton Civic Centre car park is trialling 24/7 opening hours following its recent hi-tech upgrade, which Wolverhampton Council said will make parking easier and more convenient.
The technology upgrade introduced a ticketless automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system, offering quicker entry and exit, flexible payment options and no need to download an app.
The move to round-the-clock opening hours means visitors will not have to worry about rushing back before closing time.
Previously, the car park operated Monday to Saturday from 7am to 8pm, with extended hours for certain events and limited Sunday opening.
The pilot follows consultation with local businesses and forms part of the new City Centre Evening and Night-time Economy Strategy, aimed at creating a more welcoming, and lively city centre after dark.
Councillor Chris Burden, Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “We want Wolverhampton to be a city that’s easy to visit and enjoy at any time.
“We have listened to the needs of our city centre businesses about what could help the night-time economy.
“By introducing 24/7 opening at the Civic Centre car park, we’re supporting local businesses and making life simpler for residents and visitors.
“This is about creating a vibrant, safe and accessible city centre that works for everyone.”
Data from the trial, which runs until January 31, will be used to further inform the council’s wider parking strategy, which includes technology upgrades at other city centre car parks too.
Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Cabinet Member for City Transport at Wolverhampton Council, said: “The new technology at the Civic Centre car park has made a huge difference providing smoother journeys for people coming into the city.
“We think 24/7 opening will be a welcome addition giving people even more options.
“Having modern, safe and secure car parking facilities to serve customers is an important part of Wolverhampton's future development and builds on the major investment in the city centre.”
Barriers at the car park raise automatically for drivers on arrival, while prior to departure, the customer must make a payment at one of the many pay stations in the car park or at the exit barrier.
The user-friendly pay stations feature a large touch screen for drivers to input their registration before paying using cash, card or contactless methods, including mobile phones. Contactless payment options are also available at the exit barrier.
Drivers also have the option of scanning the QR code on signs around the car park and paying online before leaving.
The car park is monitored by CCTV and regular security patrols, ensuring a safe environment for users.
