Ponds Forge Car Parking

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I have a valid permit now; will this still be valid when this system is active?

A. Yes, all active permits will still be valid and automatically added to the new database connected to the ANPR system. You do not need to worry about purchasing another permit until the existing one runs out.

Q. Will I still need to display my permit?

A. No, all existing physical permits are no longer required to be displayed. The system is camera operated so permits will not need to be displayed on your dashboard when the system is in place. We recommend that you destroy your physical permit but make note of the expiry.

Q. I am just dropping off, what do I do?

A. There is a 10-minute free period if you are not staying. If you exit before 10 minutes of entering, you will not need to pay a fee at the machine. Please be advised that at peak times there may be a wait at the exit, you may want to consider this if you are just dropping off.

Q. I am parking outside of my permitted times, what do I need to do?

A. You will need to pay the appropriate fee for the length of time you are staying before or after your permit begins or ends. Failure to do so will result in a fine being issued to you. Instructions on how to make payment and the fee for parking are described on both car parks by the machines.

Q. What are my permitted times to park?

This is dependent on the type of permit you have. Members with a discount permit will be able to park at any time they are using the gym, and the appropriate fee paid. Squad and Coach permit holders will be permitted to park when training/teaching only. Anything outside of these times will need to be paid for or a fine will be issued.

Q. I have a new car, what should I do?

A. You need to inform us before attending in your new car of the change of details. If you forget to do so, please inform us ASAP so we can update the system and let the company know, or you may be issued with a fine.

Q. I need a new permit; how do I get one?

A. You will need to follow the same process as before. Collect a form from reception, fill this out and return it. The receptionist will take your payment and put your details onto the system to be activated from the next day. This permit will last 6 months or 1 year, depending on the permit type you have purchased.

Q. I have paid for a permit a while ago but not received a physical one. Will my number plate be on the system in time?

A. Yes, the permit will be added to the ANPR database and will be valid from the 20th December 2021 if you have not had any information that it will begin before this date. The permit will last 6 months or 1 year, depending on the permit you have purchased. If you are unsure of the details, we have for you or have recently changed car/number plate, please speak to one of the reception team.

Q. How will I know when my permit expires?

A. You can check at reception any time if you would like to know when your permit expires. They will be able to search for your permit and find the expiry date.

Q. Do I still need to pay for a permit?

A. If you would like to park for free or at a discounted rate, you will still need to purchase a permit. You will not be issued with a new physical permit, but your new permit will be uploaded onto the database

Q. I have an existing permit, when will this run out?

A. The expiry date for the ANPR permit will be the same one that is printed on your physical permit. If this has ran out, you will need to repurchase a permit or pay for parking as explained on the information boards in the car park.

Q. I am an event customer, what do I do?

A. As an event customer, we advise parking at Q-Park next to Travelodge. At Q-Park, you will receive an entry ticket. This can be scanned at Ponds Forge reception to receive a discount to your Q-Park parking. 

Q. What happens if I stay for longer than I have paid for?

A. In this case, you will be issued with a fine if you do not exit before the time you have paid to. You can pay to top-up your parking if you need to stay for longer. This will stop you receiving a fine. 10 minutes are free if you are dropping off, but not if you are staying.

Q. Do I pay on arrival or departure?

A. You will need to pay on arrival for the length of time that you will be staying. If you need to add extra time, you can pay and extend what you’ve already paid for. You will need to exit before the time you have paid up to.

Q. Will I still receive a £2 voucher to spend?

A. We are still issuing a £2 voucher to anyone who pays for full price parking by cash/card. A £2 voucher will not be issued when paying by phone on the app. You will be able to use this in the venue to pay for food, drinks or towards an activity booking, as you could before. Please note, these cannot be used to purchase parking at reception.

Q. What happens if I get a fine?

A.The company issuing the fines is external and is not affiliated with Ponds Forge or its staff. If you believe there has been an administrative error, we can investigate this for you. If you believe this is the case, please speak to reception on your next visit. Fines will be issued to the vehicle owner according to the National DVLA database, which is the only way they will be able to access details such as your name and address.

Q. I want to park overnight; can I still do this?

A.Yes, you can still park overnight. You can enter at the earliest of 9pm and leave by 8am. If you want to stay longer than this, you will need to pay the additional fee to extend this time.

Q. Will my personal information be shared with the ANPR company?

A. No, the only information we will supply them with is the number plate with your permitted times to park. They will only access your information if they need to issue you with a fine, which will be done through the National DVLA Database. We do not supply them with any other information, in accordance with GDPR legislations.

Q. I am a blue disabled badge holder, what do I do?

A. You are entitled to free parking. Please bring your blue badge to reception as proof. Please give the receptionist the number plate of the car and the time you will be leaving, and they can put this onto the system so you will not be fined.

Q. Will I still have to pay a Change of Details fee for my permit?

A. No, there are no associated costs with creating a new permit, so you will no longer need to pay the £2 fee to change your details.

Q. Is the car park locked overnight?

A.The car park will be locked with no access in or out when the venue is closed.