Wightlink Cracks Down on Ryde Pier Parking with New ANPR Cameras
Wightlink is set to tighten the screws on Ryde Pier drivers from Tuesday, 26th June. The ferry operator is rolling out new ticket machines and slashing free parking time, sparking fears of a flood of parking fines hitting motorists’ doormats.
New Rules, New Fines – Watch Your Step!
Gone are the days of a lenient parking attendant. From now on, drivers can only stop for 20 minutes free on the pier — down from the previous one-hour limit. After that, it’s pay up or face a fine. The move aims to clear cluttered spaces and speed up turnover.
Modern Payment Options, More Chances to Get Caught
- Four shiny new ticket machines replace the old three, accepting cash and card.
- Short stays under 24 hours won’t see tickets sold at the Wightlink office anymore — customers must use machines or the RingGo app.
- RingGo offers hassle-free, cashless payments straight from your phone, valid for up to 3 days.
Car parking charges won’t rise for the rest of 2018, but all eyes are on what 2019 will bring.
ANPR Cameras Bring Pier Parking into the 21st Century
The biggest change? Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will monitor parking on the pier, ticking off overstayers and freeing up spaces efficiently. Motorcycles and bicycles remain exempt from charges.
Wightlink’s Business Development Director, Clive Tilley, said: “We are responding to customer feedback by giving people travelling on the FastCats a choice of payment methods, whether they are crossing the Solent for a few hours or a day. Islanders who want to get to Portsmouth on the most reliable cross-Solent service will also appreciate the cashless RingGo option.”
Fishbourne Parking to See Upgrades Soon
While Fishbourne’s parking system stays the same for now, ANPR cameras and ticket machines are set for a future upgrade — meaning more chances for motorists to get stung.
