Upgraded parking system coming to Dunstable Downs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What changes to parking arrangements are being made?

  We are upgrading the parking facilities across the site. This includes new payment machines in all car parks, replacing the existing ones, and the installation of a new barrier at the main car park entrance as well as two ANPR cameras. As part of this change, we're introducing a tiered payment structure to suit the needs of our visitors, including a cheaper price for those looking to stay on-site for a shorter length of time.

• Why have the parking arrangements changed?

  Making these changes will provide visitors with a more reliable, flexible and user-friendly parking experience. The new payment machines will be more reliable, it will introduce card payment as an option across the site, and the new barrier and cameras will maintain site security. We've also listened to visitors who wanted more flexible payment options for when they were only planning to be on-site for a shorter amount of time, and to have the ability to extend their parking if required.

• Why now?

  The current parking machines were installed in 2016, and recently we have seen their reliability drop as the technology has aged. As part of the larger National Trust project to improve parking facilities and benefit our visitors, we've made the decision to proceed with this upgrade now.

• Why have you increased parking prices?

  The switch from a flat fee to a tiered payment structure was suggested by our visitors, who wanted more flexible payment options when planning to be on-site for shorter lengths of time. The increase in the all-day parking fee is a necessity, due to the increased costs involved in running the site. Our prices haven't increased in a long time, and we believe the new prices remain competitive when compared with similar outdoor visitor attractions.

• Can I extend my parking?

  Yes, visitors will be able to extend their parking. They can either use one of the payment machines on-site, or use JustPark to pay for however much additional time they require.

• Why have you installed ANPR?

  The addition of ANPR technology to the site is beneficial to all visitors. It removes the need for paper tickets, creating a smoother visitor experience, and will help our team to maintain site security.

• What happens if the barrier stops working?

  The barrier will be maintained by National Trust staff, so visitors shouldn't expect to experience any issues entering or leaving the site. However, if you do want to report anything to us, please let a member of the on-site team know, and we'll help as best as we can.

• Why are you changing to a flexible tariff instead of keeping a flat fee?

  We've listened to visitors who requested a cheaper payment option for short-term visits, and have benchmarked the new tiered payment structure to comparable local attractions to ensure that we continue to provide a reasonable price for all visitors.

• Is there any impact on parking for Blue Badge holders?

  No, Blue Badge holders will continue to park for free as they currently do, with the same number of allocated spaces on-site. Blue Badge holders will continue to need to display their badge inside their car when parking at Dunstable Downs.

  During the installation week of 7th - 11th September, there may be some minor disruption as various car parks are closed for works to take place. If this affects any parking areas with Blue Badge spaces, we'll indicate this in our online and on-site communications.

• Will National Trust Members need to pay?

  No, members will not need to pay for their parking. They will still be required to scan their membership card and enter their numberplate using the new payment machines or the JustPark app.

• Will I still have to scan my membership card every time?

  We ask that National Trust members check in when they park so that the team maintaining the site are aware. Members will be able to either scan their membership card using the payment machine or ‘check-in’ using the JustPark app.

• Where does the money spent in the car parks go?

  Any money spent in our car parks goes directly back into Dunstable Downs, supporting the conservation and care of this special landscape, as well as improving access and visitor facilities.

• How do I pay later if I forget to pay whilst on-site?

  If you need to pay or extend your parking after you've left the site, you'll be able to pay using the JustPark app for up to 24 hrs after. You can also speak to a member of our team if you have any concerns.

• Will you be patrolling the car parks?

  Yes, our team will be monitoring the car parks across the site and supporting all visitors to use the new payment machines. If you have any issues using the new machines, you can speak with a member of our team and they'll be happy to help.

• Will I still be able to use the JustPark app?

  Yes, JustPark continues to be a payment option across our car parks. Information about this will be available at the payment machines, or you can speak to a member of our team for assistance.

• Are any other parking apps other than JustPark available?

  No, currently JustPark is the only parking payment app connected to our car parking system.

• Will card payment be contactless only, or require a pin?

  All card payments on new car park machines will be contactless. If you have any issues completing your payment, speak to a member of our team.

• What if I want to pay with cash?

  Any visitors looking to pay for their parking using cash will need to go to the payment machine closest to the Visitor Hub. If you have any issues completing your payment, speak to a member of our team.

• Can visitors pay at reception if a machine is unavailable?

  We’re confident our machines will work much more consistently than the old ones, but if you experience any issues, the JustPark app is your best alternative. If you still can’t pay, speak with a member of staff on-site who will be happy to help.

• I’ve forgotten my membership card, what can I do?

  If you're a member but don't have your card with you, you can either speak with a member of staff on-site, or check-in online using the JustPark app.

• My membership card didn’t scan, what can I do?

  If you’re having any issues scanning your membership card, speak to a member of our team.

• Do I need a ticket?

  Our new parking system will not require tickets. The usage of numberplate recognition technology enables visitors to start their experience at Dunstable Downs without having to return to their car.

• Without a ticket, how will you know if I’ve paid/scanned?

  The payment machine will ask you to add your registration number, so we’ll know you’ve paid from that. We’ll also know if you’ve used the JustPark app to pay or check-in. National Trust staff on-site will be monitoring our car parks daily.

• What if I need a receipt for my payment?

  Visitors should be able to request a receipt from the payment machine while completing their transaction. If there's any issues, you can speak to our team in the Visitor Hub, who will be happy to help.