Important Parking Changes Announced for The Quays

Parking at The Quays North and South Car Parks will be managed by BH Live from Sunday 1 March, with a new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system set to be introduced.

The change follows BH Live’s takeover of leisure services across the city in summer 2025, including The Quays Swimming and Diving Complex. Since the transfer, Southampton City Council has continued to operate the Quays North and South car parks on behalf of the leisure provider, including the management of Pay and Display machines and parking enforcement.

BH Live identified direct management of the car parks as part of its preferred operating model, with the aim of enhancing the overall customer experience for visitors. To facilitate the change, the council carried out a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation in December 2025, proposing the removal of the two car parks from the City Centre Off Street Parking Order.

Following the conclusion of the consultation, the council has confirmed it will proceed with the proposal. As a result, from Sunday 1 March, both car parks will be operated directly by BH Live using ANPR technology.

What visitors need to know

Under the new system, visitors to The Quays will be required to enter their vehicle registration after passing through reception. This will allow up to three hours of free parking, meaning the majority of users will no longer need to use Pay and Display machines.

The car parks will remain available for longer stays and for other visitors, with clear information displayed on-site about payment options.

Council season tickets and BH Live Quays parking permits will no longer be valid at The Quays North and South Car Parks. However, valid council season tickets can continue to be used at the nearby Harbour Parade car park, which will remain under council management.

Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:

“We believe this change will deliver an improved leisure experience for visitors to The Quays and is reflective of the how car parks in our other leisure sites are operated.

Using an ANPR system will help make parking and using The Quays much easier and less hassle for our visitors. This is a great example of how they are looking to further enhance our facilities and the customer journey.”

Further information about the changes, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), is available on BH Live’s website.