Colchester United introduces car monitoring system at stadium

The club has started to use an automatic number plate registration (ANPR) system to make sure parking spaces are reserved for its customers. 

With more business moving into the nearby Northern Gateway development, more visitors are looking to park as close as possible, including at the stadium. 

The ANPR system will monitor all vehicles on site and will be managed by Smart Parking. 

Colchester United said it is to "enhance experience" and ensure parking spaces are reserved for its customers.

Stadium - Colchester Stadium and car park (Image: Newsquest)

Parking remains free for stadium users who attend meetings and events, there as long as they register their number plates correctly at reception. 

People using the parking outside of events and meetings need to pay via the RingGo App using the location code 71667 or call 02 030 460010 to register their vehicle. 

On first team matchdays, parking procedures remain unchanged, and visitors will need to purchase a parking ticket directly through the official ticket sale. 

A Colchester United spokesman said: “Given the increasing variety of businesses in our local area, we are introducing an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) parking system to monitor all vehicles on site, managed by Smart Parking Ltd.

"We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we implement this new system. Should you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.  

“Thank you for your continued support.” 

Development - The Northern Gateway development (Image: Steve Brading) (Image: Steve Brading)

Mile End councillor Martin Goss said: “ANPR systems are used in many car parks and by many organisations.

"They are a secure option that works, so it is perfectly understandable that Colchester United have introduced it. 

“My only worry is that it should be easy to use for people who are parking there and that they will not get fined if there are any issues with the system.” 

Councillor - Martin Goss (Lib Dem)

Bosses at Colchester Council have responded to concerns over whether there will be enough parking spaces at the Northern Gateway.

The development will have two car parks, one with 300 spaces near the sports park and a second at the development. 

A spokesman said: "The 750-space multi-storey car park at the Northern Gateway Leisure Park is nearing completion and we have a car park operator lined up to manage this. There will be enough space for all cars and customers will not need to park at the nearby Sports Park or anywhere else."   

• Martin Goss is the Liberal Democrat general election candidate for Colchester. Also running are James Cracknell (Con), Pam Cox (Lab) and Sara Ruth (Green).