Lancaster University's Parking Policy supports the University's Travel Plan. It provides the framework for managing parking facilities for the benefit of both our stakeholders and the environment. The policy helps to ensure that parking spaces are available for those that need them and outlines rules and arrangements for using parking at the University.
The Parking Policy is organised into one Principal Document and other smaller documents for specific parking users and arrangements.
Car Parking Policy 2024-25 Principal Document
This document provides an overview of the University's parking policies, prices and arrangements and the general policies that apply to all parking users.
Parking and Staff Bus Pass Travel Prices 2024-25
List of all parking permits, scratch cards and visitor parking rates in operation at the University. The list also includes the full range of subsidised staff bus travel products available to eligible staff.
Drivers of motor vehicles using University roads, car parking areas or any part of Lancaster University’s premises do so at their own risk. No liability is accepted by the University in respect of any loss, theft, accident, damage or injury suffered or inflicted by such persons or their vehicles.
'Motor vehicle' in these regulations refers to any vehicle which under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act is required to display a registration number when used upon the public highway, other than motorcycles which are exempt. Motorcycles must not obstruct footways, footpaths or marked parking bays.
*Regulations marked in italics are applicable all the time.
The Student Parking Policy 2024-25 details arrangements for student parking and outlines the eligibility criteria for student parking permits and how to apply.
For Categories 1 to 4 in the Student Parking Policy, applicants should use the Student Parking Categories 1 to 4 Eligibility Request Form 2024-25
The refers to the main urban area of Lancaster and Morecambe where the campus is deemed as reasonably accessible by bus or by foot from all destinations within the urban core area. This is used to determine student eligibility for parking permits.
This policy supplements the Parking Policy Principal Document, which should be read in conjunction with this policy.
Contractor vehicles refer to company-owned, privately owned, and hired vehicles by employees of a contractor either working for the University or a principal contractor or tenant of the University.
Principal contractors and campus tenants must clearly communicate this policy to all contractors and sub-contractors working for them on Lancaster University premises.
Several parking options are available for contractor vehicles parked on the campus at Bailrigg. Parking permits/tickets must be clearly displayed in the front windscreen whilst parked on campus.
Contractors are not permitted to park in contractor compounds or specialised use spaces such as EV charging spaces, Pre-School spaces, spaces marked as ‘reserved’, and the Health Centre car park.
Pay and display machines are located across campus or there is the option to pay by RingGO.
Car parking locations including staff, student, visitor, accessible, and motorcycle spaces can be viewed on MazeMap, the interactive campus map.
Long wheelbase (LWB) vans and minibuses must not be parked in standard length parking bays if the vehicle overhangs onto the road carriageway or footway. This often causes a road safety and/or accessibility issue. Vehicles must not be parked in any way that could cause damage to the soft verge or landscape. Enforcement action will be taken against any vehicles parked in such a manner.
Suitable areas for the parking of LWB vans and minibuses are:
A system of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera enforcement is in operation at Chancellor’s Wharf located in Lancaster city centre. This system operates 24/7 all year round.
Contractors working at Chancellor’s Wharf can purchase a 1-day Visitor parking if verified with the Car Parking Office, via the University’s Online Store.
Contractor parking at Forrest Hills to be arranged with the the Car Parking Office.
A system of fixed camera ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) enforcement is in operation at the car park for HIC. All annual, termly and monthly Contractor Parking Permits are authorised for parking use at the HIC car park.
Visitor parking facilities can be used through the RingGo pay by phone service when parking at HIC to pay for and authorise parking sessions.
This policy outlines the specific parking arrangements in place at the Sports Centre, (Car Parks L(a) and L(b), as these differ from the rest of campus.
This policy applies Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm during University term time. If there is a good reason to drop off, park, or pick up elsewhere, please ensure you are not causing an obstruction or a hazard.
Coaches taking passengers to central campus locations should drop-off and pick-up passengers at the designated coach drop-off point on South Drive at Fylde College.
If more convenient, one of the alternative locations listed below can be used instead.
After dropping off, coaches should park up at South West Campus (Alexandra Park) and should not return to the drop-off / pick-up point more than 5 minutes prior to the agreed pick-up time.
Only Megabus and Flixbus services are permitted to use the Underpass.
Please do not stop in any other areas as doing so is likely to cause an obstruction or other road safety issues.
For the Sports Centre and North Drive coach drop-off point, please use the main entrance to campus. For other locations including the main drop off point at Fylde College, you are advised to use the South West Campus (Alexandra Park) entrance.
As soon as your coach party have alighted at one of the above locations, please make your way to one of the following areas where you will be able to leave your coach for the rest of the day:
Coaches must not be parked elsewhere on campus. In particular, please to not obstruct the stops used by scheduled buses including the whole of the Underpass.
Once parked up, you are welcome to use the shops, cafes and other facilities on campus.
Car parking locations including staff, student, visitor, accessible, and motorcycle spaces can be viewed on MazeMap, the interactive campus map.
Dedicated accessible parking spaces for those with significant mobility difficulties or medical conditions that adversely impact on an individual’s personal mobility are provided. These are supported through the use of Accessible Parking Permits (AP Permits). Blue Badges will be honoured for single use but an AP Permit should be obtained for continued use. University AP Permits are valid in all car parking spaces on campus in any parking zone, including all accessible parking spaces marked out in yellow on the ground.
Students should apply to the Car Parking Office, Security (01524 521877; car-parking@lancaster.ac.uk). Relevant medical evidence must be provided in accordance with the published eligibility guidelines in the Student Parking Policy.
Visitors are not eligible for AP Permits, although Blue Badges will be accepted. Visitor parking charges do not apply to visitors clearly displaying a valid Blue Badge / validating the Blue Badge with the ANPR enforcement system.
University staff should select the Accessible Permit option through Flexible Benefits. Staff should then submit their evidence as soon as possible to the Car Parking Office, Security (car-parking@lancaster.ac.uk). All other staff / tenants should contact the Car Parking Office direct (01524 521877; car-parking@lancaster.ac.uk).
Staff eligibility will be determined by the Security Operations Manager. Note that some AP Permits will only be issued on a temporary basis (for instance in the case of someone returning to work after illness, surgery or injury). To be eligible, staff must provide at least one of the following:
Students should apply through the Car Parking Office, Security. Please contact them on 01524 521877 or by email on car-parking@lancaster.ac.uk.
Blue Badge holders must provide proof of a valid Blue Badge.
Students with temporary reduced mobility or medical conditions that adversely impact on mobility must provide evidence that satisfies the following criteria:
University Accessible Parking Permits are valid in all car parking spaces on campus in any parking zone. This includes all accessible parking spaces marked out in yellow on the ground.
Accessible Parking Permits can only be used in the vehicle registered to the permit and only whilst the permit holder is the driver of the vehicle. On occasions that the Accessible Parking Permit holder is driving another vehicle the driver must contact University Security (01524 594541 or car-parking@lancaster.ac.uk) with details of the alternative vehicle being driven by the permit holder.
A system of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera parking enforcement is in operation at Chancellor’s Wharf. All vehicles parked at Chancellor’s Wharf at any time must be registered in advance with Lancaster University as permitted to park at Chancellor’s Wharf for the relevant period of time. This will avoid a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) being issued for a non-registered vehicle. Payment for parking must also have been made directly with the University. Parking enforcement is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Permits for Chancellor’s Wharf are digital and authorise the registered vehicle to park only at Chancellor’s Wharf (CW). This authorisation allows for parking in any available space at CW once payment has been made. Main campus parking permits and scratch cards are NOT valid, unless a University fleet vehicle. Chancellor’s Wharf digital parking permits are exclusively available to student residents at CW and University staff and contractors working at CW. They are available either on an annual or termly basis.
Visitors of on-site student residents must ensure that their vehicle is registered with the University as permitted to park at Chancellor’s Wharf for the period for the visit. Visitors must also ensure that payment for parking, where relevant, has been made. Visitors must pay online through the University’s Online Store.
University staff that do not have a digital permit for CW parking must contact the Car Parking Office (car-parking@lancaster.ac.uk) in advance of their visit to Chancellor’s Wharf with details of their business visit. This will enable eligible staff to be authorised for parking at Chancellor’s Wharf on that particular day.
Contractors working at CW can purchase a CW digital permit or use the arrangement for visitors to on-site student residents.
Vehicles parked in the accessible / disabled parking spaces at Chancellor’s Wharf must clearly display a valid Blue Badge or University Accessible Parking Permit AND be registered with the University as permitted to park at Chancellor’s Wharf for the relevant period of time.
Lancaster University encourages cycling as an environmentally friendly way of commuting to and from the campus. This policy aims to clarify acceptable and unacceptable practice in parking/storing of bicycles on campus as well as arrangements for the identification and removal of redundant bicycles.
Bicycles must be parked at the dedicated bicycle stands that are provided throughout the campus. These include bicycle stands or ‘butterfly’ brackets in the secure lockable units provided at several of the colleges and at other locations on campus, sheltered cycle stands and uncovered cycle stands. There are also secure cycle lockers provided at some locations.
Each cycle stand can accommodate a maximum of 2 bicycles. No more than 2 bicycles should be secured per cycle stand. Care must be taken to avoid locking a bicycle to another bicycle. In the secure lockable bicycle storage units bicycles should only be stored at the designated cycle stands or butterfly brackets provided.
Bicycle trailers and any large cycles such as tandems, tricycles or bicycles with attached child buggy should be parked in a manner that does not cause any obstruction to other bicycles, passing pedestrians or wheelchair users.
All bicycles and accessories are parked at the owners’ risk. Lancaster University accepts no responsibility for any damage or theft to bicycles and bicycle accessories stored on campus. It is recommended that bicycles are secured with a good quality D-lock fixed over the frame and wheel of the bike to the cycle stand. It is also recommended that any detachable accessories such as lights and panniers are removed from the bicycle when parked.
Securing bicycles to trees, railings, lamp posts, sign posts and other street furniture is not acceptable and is controlled by Security. Where bicycles are left in unacceptable places they will be subject to immediate removal by Security for storage. Unclaimed bicycles will then be donated to a local bicycle reconditioning organisation if not claimed after 8 weeks from removal. The University will not accept liability for damage or loss of any bicycles and accessories that have been removed in accordance with this policy.
The practice of storing bicycle locks on cycle stands or cycle shelters for up to 4 days is recognised and accepted. However, bicycle locks should not be left unused on any cycle stands for longer than 4 days and should not be secured to any street furniture other than cycle stands or cycle shelters. Any redundant locks or locks left in unsuitable areas may be removed by Security or Facilities Maintenance. Locks left unused for more than 4 days will first have an advisory tag placed on them prior to removal. The University will not accept liability for damage to bicycle locks that are not being used in accordance with this policy. Bicycle locks stored on cycle stands and cycle shelters are left at the owners’ risk.
The storage of bicycles inside buildings is discouraged. Folding bicycles can be stored inside provided they are kept in their storage bag at all times, do not cause any obstruction and do not cause any damage to the building fabric or carpet tiles. Under no circumstances must bicycles be stored inside any student residences or on corridors or stairwells that form a fire escape route. This is to be monitored by Facilities Managers, Accommodation Managers, Building Porters, Safety Officers and Security staff.
Most colleges have secure lockable bicycle stores. Secure cycle stores are also available at Chancellor’s Wharf. These are for use only by students resident in that particular college and any off-campus student members of the college at the discretion of the College Accommodation Manager. Staff are not permitted to use these facilities as they are generally full with bicycles belonging to student residents. Access control is managed by the College Accommodation Team.
A limited number of secure bicycle stores are provided for staff use. Access control to these facilities is managed by Security or the relevant department depending on location. Priority is usually given to staff working in the adjacent building(s). The cycle lockers at InfoLab21 are for use of InfoLab21 staff only.
The parking/storage of motorcycles, scooters, prams, buggies and other non-bicycle related items in all bicycle parking areas on campus is prohibited and is enforced by Security. Any such items found in bicycle parking areas should be reported to Security.
All bicycles stored at University cycle stands and cycle shelters should be used regularly. These facilities should not be used for the long term storage of bicycles that are not in frequent use.
Although student resident bicycles stored in the college secure bicycle stores may be used less frequently, no bicycle should be stored in these facilities outside of the student’s tenancy in the college unless the bicycle is in frequent use.
Annually each July, Security will identify any redundant bicycles across the bicycle parking areas. These include all the secure cycle stores and bicycle parking facilities maintained by UPP. Redundant bicycles are identified as apparently inoperable or in a dilapidated condition. Such bicycles will have a tag placed on the handlebars by Security advising that the bicycle has been identified as abandoned and will be removed after the stated date. If the bicycle remains after a period of 2 weeks from being tagged Security will arrange for its removal. Any bicycle owners that find their bicycle tagged as abandoned should promptly remove the bicycle and either arrange for the necessary maintenance or donate the bicycle to Security.
Redundant bicycles removed will be securely stored by Security for a period of 8 weeks. Unclaimed bicycles will then be donated to a local bicycle reconditioning organisation. The University will not accept liability for damage or loss of any bicycles that have been removed in accordance with this policy.
Anyone wishing to report a redundant bicycle for removal should contact Security so that the bicycle can be tagged and subsequently removed to enable the space to be used by another cyclist.
Anyone wishing to report the loss/theft/removal of their own bicycle should contact Security.
To help ensure the safety of others, cycling is not permitted in Alexandra Square, through the 24 hour lobby in University House, along the Spine or in any other pedestrian areas of campus. Cycling is only permitted on the campus roads and on designated cycle paths that are marked or signed as shared use or segregated use for cyclists and pedestrians. This is controlled by Security.
If you wish to provide feedback on the parking policy or make any suggestions for improvement you can contact the Facilities Helpdesk by email at facilities.helpdesk@lancaster.ac.uk. All feedback will be considered at the annual review of the policy.
Parking enforcement is in operation at the University to enforce the Parking Policy. Enforcement is in the form of Parking Charge Notice (PCN) ticket issuing. Enforcing parking helps to ensure a fair and efficient parking system and maintains access for all our parking users, maximising the number of parking spaces available.
