Staff parking
University staff are eligible to apply for permits for car parks B, D, E or F (Aquatics, Booth Street West, Cecil Street and Dilworth Street). Please note not all car parks are available immediately.
Staff permits are offered as a pay as you go (PAYG) permit, which charges an hourly rate dependent upon your Grade.
From 30th May 2025, University staff permit holder pricing will change, with an annual increase, as detailed below:
| Rates | Grade |
Current Hourly Charge (£) |
Hourly charge 30 May 25 (£) |
Hourly charge 30 May 26 (£) |
Hourly charge 30 May 27 (£) |
Hourly charge 30 May 28 (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1 & 2 | 0.11 | 0.23 | 0.34 | 0.46 | 0.57 |
| B | 3 & 4 | 0.16 | 0.28 | 0.40 | 0.52 | 0.64 |
| C | 5 | 0.22 | 0.34 | 0.47 | 0.59 | 0.71 |
| D | 6 | 0.27 | 0.40 | 0.53 | 0.65 | 0.78 |
| E | 7 | 0.33 | 0.46 | 0.59 | 0.72 | 0.85 |
| F | 8 | 0.38 | 0.52 | 0.65 | 0.79 | 0.92 |
| G | 9 | 0.48 | 0.61 | 0.74 | 0.87 | 1.00 |
Maximum Daily Charges (capped at 7 hours per day)
| Rates | Grade |
Current max daily charge (£) |
Max daily charge 30 May 25 (£) |
Max daily charge 30 May 26 (£) |
Max daily charge 30 May 27 (£) |
Max daily charge 30 May 28 (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1 & 2 | 0.77 | 1.58 | 2.38 | 3.19 | 3.99 |
| B | 3 & 4 | 1.12 | 1.96 | 2.80 | 3.64 | 4.48 |
| C | 5 | 1.54 | 2.40 | 3.26 | 4.11 | 4.97 |
| D | 6 | 1.89 | 2.78 | 3.68 | 4.57 | 5.46 |
| E | 7 | 2.31 | 3.22 | 4.13 | 5.04 | 5.95 |
| F | 8 | 2.66 | 3.61 | 4.55 | 5.50 | 6.44 |
| G | 9 | 3.36 | 4.27 | 5.18 | 6.09 | 7.00 |
How can the University support me with alternative, more sustainable, methods of travel?
The University is committed to supporting sustainable travel and offers a wide range of benefits, rewards, and incentives to encourage you to leave the car at home. Whether you’re considering public transport or getting active by walking, running, or wheeling your way to campus, there’s something for everyone! Find out more here.
We are currently offering these limited period trials exclusively to active car parking permit holders, for more details, contact es@manchester.ac.uk.
- Try the Tram – FOR FREE!
We're offering a free TfGM 28-day all-zones tram ticket as part of a limited trial. The perfect opportunity to experience hassle-free tram travel.
- Try the Train – FOR FREE!
Enjoy a free monthly rail ticket (Rail Only, Manchester County Card or Train Card) valid on Northern Rail or any network. Plus, participants in the trial will be entered into a prize draw to win a free annual season ticket! - Try the Bike – FOR FREE!
All University staff can take advantage of a free 100-minute bike hire trial with Starling Bank Bikes. This limited-time offer is a great way to give cycling a go!
Live too far away? Combine driving with active travel or public transport, for example park and ride, for a more sustainable way to get to work.
How to apply for a parking permit
Email the completed application form to carparking@manchester.ac.uk.
University staff parking: FAQs
Q: How do Pay As You Go (PAYG) permits work?
A: PAYG permit holders will have to add credit to their University ID card or Permit Card, and a deduction will be taken from this credit each time the car park is used.
Monthly permits are not an option for staff members.
Q: What are the costs?
The rates are banded by Grade, with an hourly rate as per the table above.
Q: What about other permit holders?
A: Permits are available for a number of other car park users, including contractors, tenants, honorary staff, undergraduate students (with a DASS Referral), and other/external associates based in University buildings. We are unable to offer permits to casual staff members.
These permits will continue to be charged upfront on a monthly rate which is payable by card payment at the Car Parks Office.
- Postgraduate Research (PGDR) Students will be matched to PAYG Rate B. Monthly permits are no longer an option.
- Dental Hospital Permits: Dental Hospital staff will need to provide evidence of NHS Band and staff will be matched to the relevant PAYG rate.
Obtaining a Permit:
Q: How do I apply for a permit (if I am a new applicant)?
A: You will need to complete a Permit Application Form to apply for a PAYG permit. The form can be downloaded from the Estates website.
Q: How do you know what my Grade is?
A: The Permit Office will use the ID number provided on your application form to obtain Grade information from POD, ahead of your permit being activated.
Q: Where will I be able to park?
A: PAYG permit holders will be allocated a parking space at one car park, which has capacity. We cannot guarantee this will be your preferred car park. Parking at Dover Street Car Park and the Rear Quad is by special permission only.
Q: How can I switch car parks?
A: When parking space becomes available at any car park, a transfer process will be advertised on StaffNet, eUpdate and on posters across all car parks.
Q: Are car share permits still available?
A: Car share permits are still available if staff members need to arrive/leave separately in one vehicle, and therefore cannot use the PAYG function on their own ID card to enter AND exit the car park. Car share permit holders can choose to set up PAYG individually on their own ID cards but we do still encourage car sharing to reduce the number of vehicles on campus.
Payments and Costs:
Q: Where can I add credit to my card?
A: You will be able to top up at the Car Parks Office, or at the pay machines at Booth Street West, Dover Street and the Aquatics (Level 7+ only) car parks.
Q: What if I don't use my permit or credit?
A: To ensure your permit remains active, and credit valid, you need to use your permit at least once every 2 months. If you are likely to be using it less frequently, or taking a long period of leave, please contact carparking@manchester.ac.uk for advice.
Q: How do I add credit to my card?
A: Credit is added via card payment only. Instructions for topping up will be made available when your card is activated and displayed at the pay machine.
Q: How will I know how much credit I have remaining?
A: Your remaining credit will be displayed on the screens at the entry/exit of the car parks as you scan your card.
Q: What happens if I run out of credit?
A: You will not be able to exit the car park if you do not have enough credit on your card, therefore users are advised to top up credit when funds are down to approximately 5 days parking.
Q: How long is credit valid for?
A: For most permit holders, credit will be valid for one year. For anyone on fixed term contracts or associates on short term contracts/leases, there will be an expiry date added to the permit in line with the end date.
Q: Will I be able to get a refund if I leave or give up my permit?
A: Yes, provided it is within the one year period of topping up. In order to receive a refund you will need to visit the Car Parks Office.
Q: Will I be able to top up online or over the phone?
A: We are not permitted to take payments over the phone, and don’t offer an online payment option. Direct debits and standing orders are also not possible.
Q: Will there still be a discount for LEV and ULEV?
A: From May 2025, we will no longer be accepting new applications into the scheme. Existing permit holders currently receiving a discount will continue to benefit, but the discount will be gradually reduced from 50% to 0% over three years as the scheme is phased out.
The permit holder will be required to provide the V5 Certificate or lease documentation annually. The discount is subject to review annually.
Using the Permits:
Q: I enter/exit the car parks multiple times per day. Will I be charged every time?
A: Charges are made on an hourly rate, while you are within the car park. You will be charged for the time you park from the point of entry and exit up to the hourly rate. There is a grace period set within the system of 10 minutes.
Q. Are the payments capped?
A: Yes you wont be charged for more than 7 hours per day (up to a maximum of 35 hours per week).
Q: Am I able to have access to a number of areas on campus or car parks due to my role?
A: If access to multiple locations is a business requirement, then an email from your Line Manager will need to be sent to carparking@manchester.ac.uk for review.
Q: What happens if I forget my ID or permit card?
A: If you forget your ID/permit card, access can still be gained in two ways: you can use the intercoms, and you will be required to provide your name and staff ID number. Alternatively, you can take a ticket to gain entry, and then contact the Car Parks Office, who will arrange for you to exit the car park. In both instances, your name and the date will be recorded. In any 12-month period, you will only be permitted access without payment on 2 occasions. Any further requests will be refused.
Please note: If your permit does not work, or you forget your permit, the car parks office will not be liable to any charges you incur. If you do not contact the Car Parks Office at the time you have an issue, then you will not be issued a refund, as alternative access arrangements could be made
Q: I forgot my ID/permit card and paid to park. Can I have a refund?
A: No. The Car Parks Office is contactable between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday, and our Attendants are contactable via the intercoms between 6am and midnight, with Security manning intercoms between midnight and 6am. If you forget your ID or permit card, you should contact the team to arrange alternative entry/exit to the car park, before making any payments. If you do not contact the Car Parks Office or Attendants at the time you have an issues, you will not be issued a refund, as alternative access arrangements can be made.
Q: I lost my ID card. Will my parking access still work?
A: If your ID card has been replaced by POD, you will need to visit the Permit Office to have your parking access activated on your new card. This does not happen automatically and cannot be done remotely.
Q: Is a parking space guaranteed?
A: No. We will always try to provide parking for permit holders, however, a space cannot be guaranteed. Public parking is monitored to maximise space for permit holders.
Other:
Q: Is Visitor, Contractor and Delivery Parking available?
A: Yes. The process for booking visitor parking remains the same and requires the completion of a form.
The rate for visitor/Contractor parking will continue to be charged at £8.50 per day.