pay on foot vs pay and display

1
Comparing Pay and Display vs. Pay on Foot Parking
Machines Which Is Best for Your Car Park?
2
Introduction

• Choosing the right payment system for your car
  park can significantly impact both user
  satisfaction and operational efficiency. Two of
  the most common systems used in the UK are Pay
  and Display and Pay on Foot parking machines.
  Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, making
  them suitable for different environments. This
  blog will explore the key differences between
  these systems to help car park operators make an
  informed decision.

3
Pay and Display Parking Machines

• Pay and Display machines require users to pay for
  parking in advance and display a printed ticket
  on their dashboard. Here are the main benefits
  and drawbacks of this system
• Benefits
• Ease of Implementation These machines are
  relatively simple to install and require minimal
  infrastructure.
• Cost-Effective They are often more affordable
  upfront compared to Pay on Foot systems.
• Quick Transactions Users can complete their
  payment quickly without needing to enter
  additional details like license plate numbers.
• Flexible Payment Options Many modern Pay and
  Display machines accept coins, cards, and
  contactless payments, accommodating a range of
  user preferences.

4

• Drawbacks
• Risk of Overpayment or Underpayment Users must
  estimate their parking duration, leading to
  either overpayment or the risk of receiving a
  penalty for exceeding their paid time.
• No Real-Time Flexibility If users need more
  time, they must return to the machine to extend
  their session.
• Increased Enforcement Requirements Car park
  operators need staff or ANPR systems to monitor
  compliance, which can add to operational costs.
• Best Suited For
• Pay and Display systems are ideal for smaller car
  parks, low-traffic areas, or environments where
  short-term parking is common, such as retail or
  leisure locations.

5
Pay on Foot Parking Machines

• Pay on Foot machines operate on a post-payment
  model, where users pay for the exact duration of
  their stay before exiting the car park. Here are
  their key benefits and drawbacks
• Benefits
• Fair Payment Model Users only pay for the time
  they actually use, which enhances customer
  satisfaction.
• Reduced Enforcement Costs Barriers at the exit
  ensure compliance without the need for extensive
  monitoring.
• Improved Revenue Management Operators can
  minimize revenue loss from underpayment or
  misuse.
• Convenience Users dont need to estimate their
  parking time in advance, reducing stress and
  improving their overall experience.

6

• Drawbacks
• Higher Initial Costs Installation and setup are
  more expensive due to the need for barriers,
  ticket dispensers, and additional infrastructure.
• Dependency on Barriers If barriers malfunction,
  it can lead to user frustration and operational
  disruptions.
• Space Requirements These systems may require
  more space for entry and exit points, which may
  not be feasible for all car parks.
• Best Suited For
• Pay on Foot systems are well-suited for large car
  parks, high-traffic areas, or locations where
  users tend to stay for extended periods, such as
  airports, hospitals, or city centers.

7
Key Considerations for Choosing the Right System

• When deciding between Pay and Display and Pay on
  Foot machines, car park operators should consider
  the following factors
• Car Park Size and Layout Smaller car parks with
  straightforward layouts may benefit from Pay and
  Display systems, while larger, complex facilities
  are better suited to Pay on Foot.
• User Behavior If users frequently stay longer
  than planned, a Pay on Foot system can enhance
  satisfaction by offering flexibility.
• Budget Pay and Display systems are more
  cost-effective initially, but Pay on Foot systems
  often provide a better long-term ROI through
  improved revenue capture.
• Traffic Flow For locations with high traffic
  turnover, Pay on Foot systems can help manage
  congestion more effectively by automating the
  exit process.
• Technology Integration Consider whether the
  chosen system can integrate with existing
  technologies, such as ANPR cameras or mobile
  payment apps, to enhance user convenience and
  operational efficiency.

8
Conclusion

• Both Pay and Display and Pay on Foot parking
  machines have their merits, and the best choice
  depends on the specific needs of your car park.
  Pay and Display machines offer simplicity and
  cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for smaller
  car parks and short-term parking. On the other
  hand, Pay on Foot machines provide flexibility
  and user convenience, making them a better fit
  for larger, high-traffic environments.
• By carefully evaluating your car parks size,
  user behavior, and budget, you can select the
  system that best meets your operational goals and
  enhances the parking experience for your
  customers.