Car Parks - Drivethru

Has anyone ever taken too long between paying for parking and leaving the car park, in one of those car parks where you take the ticket and pay when you return, then use the ticket to raise the barrier. Today, someone hadn't paid and of course couldn't get out, creating a massive queue behind, we waited ages and I just wondered how much time you have between paying and leaving.

Car Parks - mark45

Get this all the time in Luton Airport.

Luckily there are always 2 barriers. I've learnt to stop 3/4 car width behind so in case that happens I have enough space to maneuver to the second barrier next to it.

Obviously does not work if there is only one barrier needless to say a PITA.

Car Parks - Bromptonaut

There's usually an attendant there to sort things out, indeed any system with a barrier needs 24/7 supervision.

My experience is it works OK at city car parks where people leave at a reasonably constant rate. Adequate at airports too as bagage claim/customs/meet & greet even out the flow.

It does not work at commuter railway stations where 2-300 people might all arrive at once.

Car Parks - Bobbin Threadbare

The car park I park in for shopping gives you 20 minutes to leave after paying. You get a little token to feed into the machine. If you are shorter than about 6ft, you can't reach the barrier from your car so you have to open the door....a queue ensues....

Car Parks - veryoldbear

It's fine if people do actually pay on their way back to the car. I think they give ten minutes or so. It's when people try to buck the system and pay on their way from the car, assuming they are going to be back quickly the problems start.