More Than Just Parking

That’s the question we set out to answer in Llangollen, a town steeped in charm and culture in North Wales. What followed was one of the most rewarding projects I’ve been involved in during my time at Ocean Parking.

The Problem We Walked Into

Llangollen’s car park had been managed by the local council for years. The equipment was dated, signage was inadequate, and revenue was minimal—despite what appeared to be high footfall due to the significant local amenities available to motorists.
When I first visited the site, it was clear this wasn’t just a matter of installing new equipment. This was about resetting the standard and rebuilding trust with the community. Parking shouldn’t be punitive. It should be purposeful.

Our Approach: Listen, Learn, Deliver

Our first move was to listen—really listen. We spoke with the client, reviewed footfall and dwell time, and observed how locals used the space. Then we implemented a bespoke solution that reflected their needs:

• New Signage in Welsh and English to ensure clarity and inclusivity.
• Solar-powered ANPR cameras and modern, solar powered, touch sensitive, pay-and-display machines to make the site greener and more efficient.
• A no-PCN grace period to help users adapt without fear or frustration, followed by a significant period of latitude for those that pay and overstay.
• Pre-bookable spaces for canoeists, hikers and visitors to the local facilities, capitalising on the site’s proximity to the town, railway, river and canal.
• High Quality Reporting which shows the client exactly what is happening on his site, all of the time.
• We even engaged an EV charging provider to explore future-proofing the site further.

The Results: Immediate and Measurable

In three days, the site generated almost 15% of the revenue generated in the entire previous year. And the most satisfying part? Not a single PCN had been issued. That’s what happens when infrastructure, information, and intent align.

We’re genuinely impressed with the results delivered by Ocean Parking. The site feels safe and welcoming, thanks to excellent lighting and well-placed cameras. Entry and exit are seamless with contactless payment and license plate recognition.
What also stood out is their commitment to sustainability—solar panels are already in place, and we’re now exploring their EV charging solution. The improvements we’ve seen at Llangollen have exceeded expectations. Revenue is up, and the car park now feels like a real asset to the community. The service we receive from the whole team is second to none.
– Keith Potts