Find out more information about travel information and parking, including sustainable travel options to campus, parking options and how to apply for permits, visitor parking on campus, and the car sharing scheme.
Edge Hill offers free access to on-campus parking for commuting students and staff to support their access to our award-winning facilities. Unlike many other institutions, Parking Permits at Edge Hill are awarded for free and those who access our on-campus parking, will do so at no additional cost.
During term time, demand for parking can be high and will vary in reflection of academic timetable patterns and other university events taking place throughout the year. Available spaces are offered to permit holders on a first come first served basis each day and permits do not guarantee a space where full capacity is reached. This is why the Edge Hill Parking Team work hard to delegate available parking in a way which prioritises those travelling the furthest distance, or who have the greatest need to park and access our campus.
Where possible, we would strongly encourage those who have access to alternative modes of transport, live local or travel a shorter distance to consider if driving to campus is essential to their commute.
The university is also working towards a Sustainability agenda and has developed a Sustainable Travel Plan, offering staff and students opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint of their commute. This includes:
Free travel on the Edge Link Bus – just show your unicard
Bicycle Locker Users’ Club (BLUC)
Local Council-owned parking facilities
Cycle to Work Scheme (Staff)
Public Transport Travel Loan Scheme (Staff)
Please note: On-campus parking is reserved for current permit holders only. Permits must always be displayed on arrival in order to be granted access to the car park.
ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) uses cameras to read vehicle number plates as they enter and exit the car park. This system automatically logs the time of entry and exit to manage parking sessions. ANPR is in force 365 days a year.
Do I need to register my vehicle?
Yes. Eligible staff, students, and regular visitors must register their vehicle details before using the car park. Eligible staff and students must Apply and Display a parking permit for 2025/26 via the Parking Permit Application portal.
How do I register my vehicle & apply for car park access (Staff and Student)?
If you are eligible to park on campus, you can register online through the Parking Permit Application portal.
Is there an eligibility requirement for a parking permit?
Yes. Parking permits are subject to eligibility criteria. Please refer to the Car Parking Policy for full details on who qualifies for a permit.
What happens if I don’t register my vehicle?
Unregistered vehicles may receive a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) if they are detected by the ANPR system without valid parking access.
Is there a cost to park on campus?
No. Parking on campus is currently free of charge, but all vehicles must still be registered to avoid receiving a PCN. Parking space is not guaranteed.
Is there a grace period if I enter without a valid permit?
Yes. There is a 20-minute grace period to allow drivers to exit the car park without penalty if they do not have a valid permit or registration. If you are not eligible or do not intend to stay, please leave within this time to avoid receiving a parking charge notice (PCN).
What time is ANPR enforced?
ANPR (Automatic NumbBetween the hours of 7am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, any user who parks in the car park must have permission to park an authorised vehicle. (See additional FAQs relating to Sports Centre parking and timings).
Can parents/carers drop shopping to students living on campus or park on campus to assist students with additional needs?
Yes. Although please provide your registration number at the Campus Support Security Lodge or Main Reception within 20 minutes of arriving to avoid receiving a penalty charge notice.
How do visitors register for parking?
Visitors must be registered in advance by a member of staff via the Request Visitor Parking page. All visitors must report to Main Reception upon arrival to input their vehicle registration into the tablet device available. Failure to do so may result in them receiving a parking charge notice (PCN).
I’m a member of staff arranging a visitor – what do I need to do?
If you are organising a visitor to campus, you can request a reserved visitor parking space in the usual way via the Request Visitor Parking page. Failure to do so may result in your visitor receiving a parking charge notice (PCN).
I’m a member of staff arranging a visitor – what do I need to do? Will ANPR cause delays or queuing when entering campus?
We do not foresee any impact on traffic flow or queuing. The ANPR system operates passively and does not require barriers or stopping when entering the main car park. A management process is in place to monitor and address any issues that may arise.
Can I park in any car park on campus?
No. Some car parks are designated for specific users (e.g., staff-only, visitor-only, car share zone). Please check signage and your permit conditions.
What if I drive a different car one day?
You must update your vehicle details on the parking portal via the Apply for car park access page before parking. Temporary vehicle options may be available.
What should I do if I receive a parking charge notice (PCN)?
If you believe it was issued in error, you can appeal via the instructions provided on the notice letter you receive. Otherwise, details on how to pay the PCN will be provided on the notice.
Are there accessible parking spaces?
Yes. Blue Badge holders and those with approved accessibility needs can use designated bays. Please ensure your vehicle is still registered via the parking portal.
Will my data be safe with ANPR?
Yes. All data is handled in accordance with GDPR and university data protection policies. ANPR data is used solely for parking management.
How many vehicles can one person add to the parking portal?
Each eligible person can add two authorised vehicles. But only one vehicle at a time must park on campus. If a second vehicle arrives whilst the first vehicle is parked on site, the second vehicle may be subject to a parking charge notice (PCN).
What parking is available to students and staff at the University and how does it work?
Edge Hill is one of only two universities that offers over 2,400 parking spaces free of charge to students and staff. Access to the car park on campus is provided through a permit system. To access parking on campus, all students and staff who are eligible for parking must apply for a permit.
Permits are issued by the Parking team and to access parking, all vehicles visiting campus must display a valid permit on arrival.
The University has established a Car Parking Policy which is regularly reviewed and updated. This policy provides the framework for how traffic and parking will be managed effectively on campus. Review the full policy.
Who decides the level of parking provision that the University can provide?
The North West Regional Parking Standards (Government Policy) set out the requirements for appropriate provision and dictate the provision of parking that any institution can create. Edge Hill University is categorised under D1 as a higher education institution, and as such is constrained to provide one parking space per 15 students and one per two staff.
In liaison with West Lancashire Borough Council, the University has successfully worked to increase the total capacity of parking spaces on campus and has created approximately 700 additional spaces above the limit (this number cannot be exact as the student population fluctuates each year).
Why does the University choose not to charge for parking?
The university provides free parking to ensure that all commuting students, staff who travel long distances to get to work, and those with mobility issues and special circumstances can access their education and workplaces each day.
Through benchmarking carried out with AUSCO, it has been identified that Edge Hill is one of only two out of 133 universities in the UK that do not charge for campus parking. In fact, many do not provide any parking facilities at all.
The University has carried out benchmarking with five other campus universities in the UK to see if best practice can be shared, and found that on average they charge approximately “£4.00 per day” for parking, with two of the five not permitting any students to park on their campus. At this time, the University are not considering the option of charging for parking.
What does the University do to maximise the parking available on campus?
To respond to an increase in demand across September and October in 2021, the University has created 150 temporary spaces within the overflow car park, resulting in an overall capacity of 400 temporary parking spaces. These spaces will provide additional parking while campus attendance is at its peak, and it is expected that attendance will reduce at the end of October (each year) when student Teachers, Nurses and other practice-based courses go out onto placement.
As per the planning conditions set out by West Lancashire Borough Council, the University must adhere to the operating measures set out within the approved Traffic Parking and Management Strategy (TPMS) for the campus which dictates how often the overflow car park can be used, and during which periods. West Lancashire Borough Council does not allow for any temporary spaces to be converted to permanent parking provision.
What prevents the University from increasing its parking provision further?
The University is not permitted to provide further parking over and above the allocation set out within the Parking Standards. This restriction means that the University cannot explore other options such as a multi-storey or underground parking provision.
Specifically under the Parking Standards, point 8.44 advises that “The limiting of (free) parking spaces can be used as a means to encourage a shift towards more sustainable forms of transport”.
The “West Lancs Local Plan 2012-27” is available to review on the West Lancashire Local Plan 2012-2027 webpage – further information on Parking Standards can be found on page 128.
Where can I park if I am not eligible for a permit, or if there are no spaces available on campus?
Both staff and students can access the EdgeLink bus free of charge from Ormskirk bus station every 20 minutes or can choose to take the 15-minute walk to campus via Ruff Lane or St Helens Road.
Where can I find out more about sustainable travel alternatives?
The University is working hard to reduce their carbon footprint and believe that sustainable travel can help everyone on the journey towards carbon neutrality. With more options than ever, the University are supporting students and staff to utilise sustainable alternatives at every possibility. Whether its cycling, scooting, walking, car sharing or getting the bus and train, there is something for everyone.
To support all commuters with whatever means of transport they choose to use, the University has created a central hub of travel information for students and staff on parking, public transport, cycling, walking and more. This hub includes useful links, timetables and the University’s Travel Plan to encourage the Edge Hill community to utilise more sustainable alternatives on their daily commute.
Customer Parking Information (Edge Hill Sport)
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
During term time, parking demand on campus is high and varies according to the academic timetable and university events. As part of a wider initiative to improve parking and access to campus, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have now been installed across the Ormskirk campus.
Parking enforcement
During term time, parking demand on campus is high and varies according to the academic timetable and university events. As part of a wider initiative to improve parking and access to Parking enforcement although delayed for new students at the start of term, remains in place for Sports Centre users all year round. However to ensure members have time to register their vehicles if required (see below). The Automatic Number Plate Recognition Cameras will be activated and live from Monday 13th October 2025.
Edge Hill Sport Parking Policy
Location: Parking for Sport customers is available (subject to availability) in Zone A of the main car park during opening hours.
Restrictions:Monday to Friday, 9:00am–3:30pm, parking is restricted to Edge Hill University staff and student permit holders.
Enforcement: Members vehicles parked outside designated areas or during unauthorised times will face enforcement action, including fines which will be automatically issued through the Automatic Number Plate Recognition System (ANPR).
Community users of Edge Hill Sport can park in Zone A of the main car park during the following times:
Monday-Friday from 7am-9am and then from 3.30pm.
Weekends are restriction free, although enforcement begins 7am Monday’s.
Please note parking at any time is subject to availability and does not form part of any Edge Hill Sport membership or facilities hirer package. In addition no liability is accepted by Edge Hill University or Edge Hill Sport for loss or damage incurred whilst using campus parking facilities. Parking rules are subject to change and all campus visitors should take note of and act in accordance with advertised signage and follow instructions issued by traffic management staff. Failure to do so may lead to enforcement action including fines, termination of membership or facilities hirer without refunds and bans from campus in cases of significant or repeated breaches.
Please note coaches and buses are not allowed to park on campus. For those hiring facilities, these must be drop off and pick up only by prior arrangement with Edge Hill Sport.
ANPR operation and early morning access
If you visit the Sports Centre between 7am and 9am, we require your vehicle registration details to prevent penalty notices during this time.
