Nestled within the picturesque Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Saundersfoot Harbour and the Wales International Coastal Centre is a true hidden gem on the Welsh Riviera. This popular beachfront destination attracts visitors for its stunning scenery, dog-friendly beaches, and vibrant town filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels. The harbour's main car park offers over 200 spaces, with an additional 100 spaces around the perimeter, making it the primary parking option for tourists and locals alike.
The Challenge
During peak tourist seasons, the car parks became extremely busy, leading to several operational issues. The existing pay and display system lacked effective parking control and enforcement, resulting in various health and safety hazards. Visitors often parked outside designated areas, creating congestion and reducing the efficiency of the parking spaces. Additionally, the car park became a hotspot for undesirable activities during the evenings and nights, further complicating management efforts.
Our Solution
Britannia Parking was brought in to overhaul the parking system and address these pressing issues. We conducted a comprehensive survey of the site, focusing on how to enhance control and compliance. The primary goal was to optimise the revenue generated from parking, which is vital for maintaining the harbour facilities.
Key Actions:
- Stakeholder Communication: We engaged with all stakeholders, including tenants, retailers, and hospitality providers, to explain the proposed system and address any concerns.
- ANPR Implementation: An ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) Pay on Entry system was introduced in the main car park to improve compliance with parking payments. Additionally, a data-only camera was installed to monitor vehicle movements around the perimeter of the harbour.
- Monitoring and Expansion: The initial data collected from the perimeter camera clearly demonstrated the need for system expansion across all harbour parking spaces. At the client's request, we extended the ANPR system throughout the entire site.
Results:
- Increased Revenue: Compliance with parking payments improved significantly, leading to a substantial increase in parking revenue. This additional income has become a key contributor to the upkeep of the harbour facilities.
- Enhanced Safety: The site is now much safer, with a noticeable reduction in undesirable activities during the evenings and nights.
- Operational Efficiency: The new system was fully established before the start of the summer holidays, ensuring smooth operations during the busiest time of the year.
Conclusion
By implementing a tailored ANPR solution, Britannia Parking successfully transformed the parking management at Saundersfoot Harbour and the Wales International Coastal Centre. The site now enjoys increased revenue, improved safety, and a more efficient parking system, all while preserving the charm and accessibility of this stunning coastal destination.
If you own land with the potential to provide an income by operating as a car park, or if you already have a car park operating on your land and feel you are not realising its full potential in revenue terms, then please contact our car park acquisitions team by filling in our enquiry form to book a discrete, no obligation site survey.