1. How to pre-book your parking

How do I make a reservation?

Remember to make a booking at least 15 minutes before your arrival for barrier car parks, 1 hour for P&D car parks and 30 minutes for barrierless camera controlled car parks, as you cannot make an online booking any later than time specified.

Select your travel dates using the calendar provided. Enter the times you expect to arrive at and leave the Car Park. Be as accurate as possible. Click on “Find parking” to see the various parking options available.

You will now see available parking options for the dates/times entered.

“More Information” will display a map and other useful information about the car park areas.

If you wish to change the date or time, you can do this using the field in the top-right of the display.

Click on “Select” for the parking option you wish to purchase.

You’ll then be required to enter your personal details and payment information. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) must be completed. Other fields are optional but you are advised to provide as much information as possible. If something happened to your vehicle whilst you are away, then by entering your registration number we would be able to contact you if necessary.

In the margin to the right you will see a shopping basket. The “Promo code” field is used if you have a Promo code. Entering a Promo code will result in a discounted price when you pay. Rates include VAT, and this will be shown on your order confirmation/receipt.

Enter payment details at the bottom of the display. Click on “Confirm payment” to confirm your payment and read and accept our “Terms and conditions”, a link to which you will also find on this display. You may also cross off the box to receive information from us.

After clicking on “Confirm payment”, your order confirmation will appear. This will also be sent to via email. You may print out the order confirmation. This order confirmation is also your receipt.

If you wish to cancel or make changes to your booking you can do so by going to “Manage My Booking” via the link on the order confirmation display. You can also access “Manage My Booking” from our website.

If you use our service regularly, we recommend that you make a profile in order to avoid having to submit your personal details every time. You make a profile by registering with us at the top of the display below “Log in/Register”.

 

2. General information

How do I find my reserved parking space?

When booking online you are not allocated a specific parking space, unfortunately we cannot guarantee any parking spaces at any of our locations. On arrival, you select any available parking space that is not marked as reserved or for blue badge holders (unless, of course, you are a blue badge holder). Please note: We cannot refund any sessions purchased where a parking space is not available.

How far ahead can I book?

It is possible to book up to 365 days ahead of your arrival – and once you have booked, you are protected against any price changes. You must place your booking at least 15 minutes before your arrival for barrier car parks, 1 hour for P&D car parks and 30 minutes for camera controlled car parks, as you cannot make an online booking any later than time specified.

Can I book at short notice – for example, the same day?

Yes, you must place your booking at least 15 minutes before your arrival for barrier car parks, 1 hour for P&D car parks and 30 minutes for barrierless camera controlled car parks.

Is there a minimum or maximum stay at the car parks?

Some car parks have minimum and/or maximum stay periods. When you use the calendar at the start of the booking process, the parking options displayed will match your requirements. In general, the range is from 1 hour to 2 weeks.

How do I book disabled parking?

When the parking options appear click on “More information” to see which car parks have dedicated disabled parking. If you require a disabled parking space select a car park that offers disabled parking. Please note that we cannot guarantee a disabled parking space, since it is not possible to book these specifically. Remember your blue badge and make sure it is clearly displayed in your windscreen. Customers who use disabled parking without displaying a blue badge will be charged a regulatory fee.

Is pre-booked parking always cheaper than normal drive-up rates?

The prices shown online and the normal drive-up rates (which you pay when you park without pre-booking) are somewhat different. Campaign prices and other discounts, for example, are only offered online.
Thus, online rates are generally lower or the same as drive-up tariffs.

What is the drive-up rate for parking?

Drive-up rates (i.e. the price customers pay when not pre-booking). Drive-up rates are also displayed in the parking areas.

How often are prices adjusted?

As a rule, drive-up prices are usually adjusted 2 to 3 times a year.  Online parking prices are constantly monitored to ensure we offer the best prices possible. This means that our prices online may change more often. In theory, online prices can change according to season, peak holiday periods, traffic, capacity and other factors that may affect supply and demand.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept the following credit and debit cards: Visa, MasterCard/ EuroCard, American Express, Visa Debit, Maestro and Visa Electron. The customer is responsible for validity of the card. Invalid cards will be rejected. We don’t accept cheques, cash or other payment methods online.

When is the parking amount charged against my card?

Your credit or debit card is charged on completion of the pre-booking process.

Is there a booking fee?

We do not charge booking or debit card fees.

How do I know my payment details are secure?

Our website uses industry-standard SSL encryption software. This protects your personal information, including credit or debit card details, and your name and address. You will know you are in a secure area of the website when a padlock appears in your web browser display, along with “https” instead of the usual “http” address. You will also see the following when you are about to leave the secure area: “Are you sure you want to leave this area?”

Why can’t I choose my favourite parking area?

When you enter your travel dates using the calendar at the start of the booking process, a list of parking options most suitable for your dates and times will appear automatically. Parking options that are not available (no capacity/closed/campaign restrictions, etc.) will not appear. However, you can still arrive at the car park and pay for your parking at the machine in the car park.

Are there any vehicle height restrictions in the car parks?

This is covered under “More information” in the parking option display. In general there are no height restrictions in parking areas unless it involves driving through a portal or the like. Multi-storey car parks have standard height restrictions. If you think your vehicle might be a problem, check “More information” before you book.

 

3. How to use “Manage My Booking"

How do I know that my order has been placed?

Once you have finished the booking process you will receive a confirmation email with a booking reference. You should print this out and bring it with you. Alternatively, use your smart phone if you can open the email attachment on your device.

If you don’t receive a confirmation email, please contact our customer service centre. You may also generate a new confirmation email from “Manage My Booking”.

How can I get a new order confirmation/receipt sent by email?

Log in to “Manage My Booking” and click on the button to receive a new order confirmation.

I’ve made an order but can’t find the reference number?

The reference number is at the top of the confirmation email. Alternatively, you can go to “Manage My Booking” and enter your email address and post code. All bookings made with this email address and post code will be displayed. From the options available you can send yourself a new booking confirmation email.

What happens if I bring a different vehicle than on my original booking?

It is always useful to enter your vehicle registration number on the booking form so that if something happened to the vehicle we would know who to contact. However, you do not have to specify the registration number, and therefore there is no problem if you use another vehicle.

 

4. Cancelling or changing a car park booking in “Manage My Booking”

Can I cancel a book if my travel arrangements change?

You may cancel a car park booking up to 24 hours before your time of arrival using the “Manage My Booking” page. You will get a full refund as long as we receive notification in time. Most bookings are fully refunded, while some will involve a cancellation fee. See our “Terms and conditions” for more information.

Can I change my booking if my travel arrangements change?

You may change most bookings up to 2 hours before your time of arrival using the “Manage My Booking” page.

If you change your booking to a SHORTER period of stay than in the original booking you will be refunded the difference, depending on the price offered at the time of booking, and you may also be charged an admin fee.

Changing your booking to a LONGER period of stay will not incur an admin fee; you will only be charged for the additional time booked. The additional time will be charged at the price that is valid at the time of making the change. 

If the change is for the SAME period of stay as in the original booking (i.e. only the dates are changed), the price at the time of making the change will determine whether you have to pay an additional amount or are entitled to a refund. Some parking options are subject to an admin fee.

 

5. Arrival at the car park

What do I do when I get to the car park?

If you have pre-booked to park at a barrier ANPR site, when you arrive at the car park you will need to press the button at the barrier and you will be provided with a ticket, please keep this ticket in a safe place as you will need it to exit the car park. If you have pre-booked parking for Pay & Display ca park or ANPR barrierless car park, simply enter the car park and park at the nearest available space.

How much time does it take to get to the City Centre?

The car parks are located at various distances from the City Centre. You should allow sufficient time to walk from the car park to the City Centre. Some car parks are no distance at all; others might take more than 5 minutes.

What happens if I forget to bring my booking confirmation with me?

It is very important that you remember to bring your booking confirmation with you. However, if you do happen to arrive without it, please draw a car park ticket in the normal way as a drive-up customer. On your return should take this to the car park office, where the attendant will provide assistance.

 

6. Leaving the car park - What happens when I return?

Before exiting barrier car parks, please take your entry ticket you received when you arrived at the car park & this pre-booked confirmation to the APCOA customer service office, usually located close to the exit barrier. The car parking staff there will confirm your pre-booking reference and validate your entry ticket allowing you to exit the car park. Please then return to your vehicle and make your way to the exit barrier.  At the exit barrier insert the validated ticket and the barrier will raise so you can be on your way. If you have pre-booked parking for Pay & Display ca park or ANPR barrierless car park, please return to your vehicle and follow signs to the car park exit.

What if my car won’t start when I return from my trip?

Go to the nearest call-point button (usually by the barriers), contact the car park attendant and wait for assistance.

What do I do if my car has been damaged while I’ve been away?

This happens very rarely, but if it does you must report it to our car park attendants immediately and fill out a report. Failure to do so could result in problems with your insurance claim later. See “Terms and conditions” for more information.

 

7. Contact us

How do I make a complaint?

Our aim is to provide the best customer service possible, but if you are not satisfied please let us know. Official complaints should be submitted in writing.

You can contact our customer service centre/system control centre as follows:

 

For UK City Centre Parking please Contact:

Tel.: 0345 301 1151

Email: general.enquiries@apcoa.com

For Belfast City Centre Parking please Contact:

Tel.: +44 28 902 78974

E-mail: lanyon.admin@apcoa.com

By post:Lanyon 2 car park, 6 Lanyon Place, Belfast, BT1 6LP.

If you have not found the answer to your query here, send us an email to the address above or call customer service direct.