Consultation Opens on Mayflower Park Barrier and Parking Changes

Southampton City Council has launched a public consultation on proposals to update the barriers and parking arrangements at Mayflower Park, including the introduction of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system.

The plans have been developed following close collaboration with local community groups to explore ways of improving the park for all users and tackling issues of antisocial behaviour involving vehicles.

Under the proposals, new entrance barriers would be installed to better secure and protect the park, enhancing safety and helping to safeguard this much-loved green space on the waterfront.

Parking charges would remain at £1.50 every two hours for stays of up to six hours, with a small increase proposed for longer stays. The council notes that usage figures show the majority of park visitors would be unaffected by the change.

The introduction of ANPR technology would also modernise the payment system, bringing it in line with other car parks across the city. Drivers would be required to pay before exiting the car park, making the process simpler and more convenient.

As part of the wider improvement works, the council is also proposing new camera signage to deter antisocial behaviour, resurfacing of the park’s entrance road, and relining of the parking bays.

Councillor Christie Lambert, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

“As part of a wider review of car parking across the city, we are proposing these changes to protect Mayflower Park from antisocial behaviour, manage parking and simplify payment for drivers.

“Mayflower Park is an incredibly popular destination which we are committed to making safer, and we are keen to hear from local people and park visitors about the proposed changes.”

Residents and visitors are invited to share their views through the Traffic Regulation Order consultation on the council’s Connecting Southampton website. The consultation runs from Friday 17 October to Thursday 7 November 2025.