Town Quay Car Park 1 is a privately managed, open-air surface parking facility situated directly on Town Quay in Southampton. Operated by ParkingEye on behalf of Associated British Ports (ABP), this flat lot offers immediate access to the Red Funnel ferry terminals, waterfront businesses, and the lower high street. This guide covers the latest ANPR parking charges, 24-hour opening times, payment options, and nearby attractions.
Town Quay Car Park 1 Southampton Parking Charges
This open-air lot operates a continuous tariff structure that is highly suited to both short-stay errands and extended multi-day trips. The pricing blocks apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as follows:
| Parking Duration | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | £2.60 |
| Up to 3 hours | £3.70 |
| Up to 4 hours | £4.70 |
| Up to 5 hours | £5.80 |
| Up to 8 hours | £9.00 |
| Up to 12 hours | £10.50 |
| Up to 24 hours | £14.50 |
| Up to 48 hours | £24.00 |
| Up to 72 hours | £31.50 |
Note: Standard tariffs apply fully to all Blue Badge holders utilising this space.
Town Quay Car Park 1 Southampton Opening Times
The operational schedules and standard enforcement details for this waterfront site are detailed below:
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The public section is accessible continuously without overnight lock-up gates.
- Enforcement Window: Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera arrays track vehicle movements 24/7. Payment compliance is strictly enforced by ParkingEye, and any failure to pay for your total duration before leaving will result in an automatic £100 Parking Charge Notice.
Where Is Town Quay Car Park 1?
The facility is located directly on the central waterfront pier, extending out towards Southampton Water.
- Address & Location: Town Quay, Southampton
- Sat-Nav Postcode: SO14 2AQ
- Driving Approach: Turn off the A33 (Town Quay Road) and drive directly onto the Town Quay pier. Car Park 1 covers the marked public bays from the start of the quay up to the central mini-roundabout. Ensure you do not park in the permit-holder zones located further down.
How to Pay for Parking at Town Quay Car Park 1
ParkingEye operates a ticketless ANPR framework across this specific lot. Drivers must fund their stay before driving out of the facility:
- ANPR Entry Tracking: High-speed cameras capture your vehicle registration mark instantly upon driving past the entrance threshold, logging your precise arrival time.
- Settle Prior to Departure: Before returning to your vehicle to leave, proceed directly to the physical payment machinery on site. Input your full, correct vehicle registration mark on the interface to calculate your fee. You can settle the balance using cash or a payment card.
Facilities and Space Information
This independent outdoor surface lot provides unique accessibility advantages compared to local multi-storey options:
- Layout: Flat open-air surface parking bays alongside the main access road.
- Height restrictions: There are no physical overhead clearance beams or restrictive low ceiling structures in Car Park 1, making it accessible for taller vans and utility vehicles (unlike Car Park 2, which sits beyond a height restriction barrier).
- Blue Badge bays: While accessible parking is possible on the flat surface, there are no pricing exemptions. Blue Badge holders must pay the full standard tariff.
Places Near Town Quay Car Park 1
Leaving your vehicle at this facility places you steps away from primary maritime transport links and historic areas:
- Red Funnel Ferry Terminals: Located right on the doorstep, offering instant access for foot passengers travelling to East Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
- Town Quay Marina: Immediate access to the deep-water yacht mooring pontoons, sailing charters, and local maritime office buildings.
- High Street & Old Town: A short walk northwards across the main road to reach medieval city walls, historic pubs, and independent eateries.
- Ocean Cruise Terminal (Dock Gate 4): Accessible within a comfortable 10-minute walk eastwards along the waterfront.
Alternative Parking Options Nearby
If you find the public bays in Car Park 1 are fully occupied during peak summer sailing weekends or major ferry departures, the closest alternatives include:
- Gloucester Square Car Park (SO14 2GH): A council-managed open surface lot located just across the main road near the High Street entrance, offering standard municipal hourly fees.
- Mayflower Park Car Park (SO15 1HJ): Another council-run open surface facility situated slightly to the west, providing flat outdoor layouts along the waterfront.
- Ocean Village Surface Car Park (SO14 3XB): A flat outdoor lot managed by MDL Marinas further east, offering economical daytime and evening rates.
Is Town Quay Car Park 1 the Best Option?
This car park is a highly practical choice for drivers seeking flat, open-air city-centre parking close to the southern waterfront.
- Convenience: Unrivalled proximity for Red Funnel ferry passengers and those visiting Town Quay businesses. You can step directly from your car into the ferry terminal within seconds.
- Value: The multi-day rates (up to 72 hours) offer a practical, straightforward long-stay solution for Isle of Wight weekend trips without having to pre-book premium port parking.
- Limitations: The ANPR enforcement by ParkingEye is extremely strict. There are no grace periods for picking up passengers if you overstay the drop-off limit, and no concessions exist for Blue Badge holders.
Town Quay Car Park 1 Southampton FAQs
Do I get a paper ticket when entering Town Quay Car Park 1?
No. The facility functions on a ticketless ANPR system. Cameras record your vehicle registration mark as you drive in. You must type your number plate details into the pay machine to calculate and pay your fee before leaving.
Can I park my car here for a weekend trip to the Isle of Wight?
Yes. Car Park 1 supports extended multi-day parking, offering specific tariff blocks for 24, 48, and 72 hours. It is an excellent and highly popular option for foot passengers taking the Red Funnel ferry for a short getaway.
Is this surface lot managed by Southampton City Council?
No. This site is privately owned by Associated British Ports (ABP) and operated by ParkingEye. Standard municipal council parking permits, council season tickets, and municipal fine appeal portals do not apply here.
Are there dedicated Blue Badge exemptions at Town Quay?
No. Private maritime facilities like Town Quay do not offer free parking or exemptions for disabled motorists. Standard hourly and daily tariffs apply to all vehicles utilising the structure.
Where does Car Park 1 end and Car Park 2 begin?
Car Park 1 covers the public parking bays extending from the entrance of Town Quay up to the mini-roundabout. Car Park 2 is located past the roundabout and the height restriction barriers, and it is largely restricted to permit holders during the week.
