Is it time to replace your pay and display machines?
Pay and display has served car parks for decades, but the technology is showing its age. This guide explains why operators are switching to ANPR-based cashless parking — and what you need to consider.
Pay and display is failing operators
Traditional pay and display machines worked well when cash was king. But consumer behaviour has changed, machine costs have risen, and the experience doesn't meet modern expectations.
- Machines break down and need constant maintenance
- Cash collection is expensive and insecure
- Paper tickets blow away, fade, or get lost
- Visitors frustrated by coin-only or broken machines
- Enforcement relies on tickets being displayed correctly
The hidden costs add up
Machine purchase, installation, maintenance contracts, cash collection, repairs, vandalism, and lost revenue from breakdowns. When you add it all up, pay and display is more expensive than it appears.
Pay and Display vs ANPR Cashless Parking
A side-by-side comparison of the two approaches.
| Feature | Pay and Display | ANPR Cashless |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Machine purchase and installation | Camera installation (often lower) |
| Ongoing Costs | Maintenance, repairs, cash collection, paper/ink | Monthly software subscription |
| Payment Methods | Cash (some accept cards) | All cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay |
| User Experience | Walk to machine, pay, display ticket | Pay from phone anywhere, no ticket needed |
| Breakdowns | Common (mechanical parts, jams, vandalism) | Rare (no moving parts) |
| Tariff Changes | Engineer visit to reprogram machines | Change instantly from dashboard |
| Enforcement | Check each windscreen for valid ticket | System shows who has/hasn't paid |
| Revenue Tracking | Manual cash counts and reconciliation | Real-time reporting, automatic reconciliation |
| Overstays | Only detected if enforcement patrol arrives | Detected automatically via ANPR |
| Permit Holders | Separate system, manual validation | Integrated, automatic validation |
The ANPR cashless alternative
A simpler approach to parking payments.
1. Camera records arrival
ANPR captures the registration and time when the vehicle enters.
2. Visitor pays on phone
No app needed. Enter zone code and registration, pay by card.
3. Payment logged
System records payment. No ticket to display or lose.
4. Exit automatically
If there's a barrier, it opens automatically. If not, enforcement knows who paid.
Why operators make the switch
Operators who have moved from pay and display to ANPR cashless typically see improvements across multiple areas.
- Lower running costs — no cash collection, machine maintenance, or parts
- Better user experience — pay from phone, no hunting for change
- More accurate enforcement — system knows who paid, no ticket disputes
- Real-time reporting — see revenue and occupancy instantly
- Flexible tariffs — change prices without engineer visits
- Integrated permits — staff, residents, visitors all in one system
Ready to explore alternatives?
Get in touch and we'll show you how MyCarPass can replace your pay and display machines.
What to consider when switching
Common questions operators ask when planning the transition.
Customer Adaptation
Most visitors adapt quickly to cashless. Clear signage and a simple process help. Some operators run both systems in parallel initially.
Phone Access
Most people have smartphones. For those without, you can offer kiosk terminals or phone-in payment options as alternatives.
Camera Installation
ANPR cameras are installed at entry/exit points. If you already have cameras, they may be compatible with MyCarPass.
Signage
You'll need new signage explaining how to pay. We provide templates and guidance on what information to display.
Transition Period
Many operators keep machines running for a few months while visitors get used to the new system. Machines can be removed gradually.
ROI
Most operators see a positive return within the first year when maintenance, cash collection, and repair costs are eliminated.
Common questions
Answers to questions operators ask about replacing pay and display.
Ready to replace pay and display?
Get in touch and we'll arrange a demonstration of how MyCarPass works.
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Related pages
Learn more about MyCarPass features.
Pay for Parking
How visitors pay from their phone — no app, no machine, no cash.
ANPR Camera Management
How we monitor and manage ANPR cameras across your sites.
Car Park Tariffs
Configure flexible tariffs that update instantly — no engineer visits.