Barrier systems are being installed at Douglas Borough Council’s three public car parks, replacing the current pay-and-display operation. The new system will come into effect on Monday May 16 at Shaw’s Brow, the Bottleneck and Pulrose Road (King George V) car parks. Two entry and two exit barriers are being installed at Shaw Brow’s car park, while the Bottleneck and Pulrose Road sites will operate with one entry and one exit barrier each. The car parks are remaining operational throughout the installation work, although there will be some occasional minor disruption. At Shaw’s Brow the new system will result in a change to the layout on level three and all levels remaining open 24 hours a day. An additional barrier will be installed on level four to provide contract customers access to levels five and six. The new car park management system is being supplied and installed by Bristol-based car park specialists Parkare. Ticket dispensing/pass card-reading machines are being installed at the entrance to the car parks and paystation terminals, which will be able to accept coins, notes, debit and credit cards, will be located at points largely similar to those occupied by the current pay-and-display units. The three car parks will be connected to a central management network and entry and paystation points linked via 24-hour intercom to Douglas Town Hall. During the early weeks of operation car park inspectors will be on duty at peak times to offer assistance. Public works committee chairman Councillor David Ashford said: ‘The new system is user-friendly and convenient, offering customers a greater choice of payment options: coins, notes and credit and debit cards as well as pre-payment cards that can be purchased and topped up in the Borough Treasurer’s department at Douglas Town Hall. We also see the change to a barrier-operated system benefiting local businesses as shoppers will pay on leaving so will no longer need to curtail the time they spend in the town in order to return to the car park before their ticket expires. We would also envisage fewer incidences of parking fee evasions.’ Using the new system: On Arrival: Stop at the barrier, take a ticket to raise the barrier, then park your car. On Leaving: Insert your ticket in a paystation terminal and pay. (The paystation calculates the lowest tariff applicable). Return to your vehicle with your ticket and drive to the barrier. Insert your ticket and the barrier will lift for you to exit. There is no payment facility at the exit barrier. To exit the car park payment must be made at the paystation. Assistance Use the intercom at the entry and pay points to be connected with Douglas Town Hall. Blue Badge holders will be entitled to park free of charge in designated spaces by applying to the Town Hall for a pass (for which a deposit is payable) to operate the barriers. Contract space holders will be issued with a pass to operate the barriers. Motorcyclists may use the car parks on the same tariff basis as vehicle owners. New tariff details will be displayed at each car park and available from Douglas Town Hall. For all enquiries telephone 696464.