High-tech new car park opens in Preston city centre

The 66-space car park in Penny Street has been developed from wasteland between Hardwicke Street and Penny Street, off North Road.

The car park has been kitted out with ‘virtual pay and display’ technology, meaning motorists can pay using their smart phones and no longer need to find change or display a physical ticket when parking. Advanced booking up to seven days in advance is also available.

Traditional pay and display options are still available.

The car park is one of three owned by Preston City Council, the others being Hill Street car park and Trinity Square and comes as plans get underway to flatten the old indoor market hall and multi-storey car park in January.

Councillor Brian Rollo, Cabinet Member for Environment said: “We are pleased to be opening Penny Street car park ahead of the busy festive period.

“As well as providing another option for customers to park close to the city centre, this modern car park enables payment online through our virtual pay and display system, adding another level of convenience for shoppers.

“The car park will also alleviate some of the capacity which will be temporarily lost during the demolition of the Market Hall car park in the new year.”

The new car park will be open for 24 hours. Prices range from £1 for up to one hours’ stay, to £5 for 24 hours.

Initially, nearby residents and the St Ignatius Square Conservation Area raised objections to the proposals, saying it would impact negatively on their quality of life.