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How Avalon Helped Ventnor Botanic Garden Modernise Parking Without Losing Its Charm

Sep 30
2 min read

Ventnor Botanic Garden, set on the beautiful Isle of Wight, is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. With over 140 parking spaces and access to a nearby cove and coastal path, the car park serves a mix of garden visitors and casual passers-by.


Previously, parking management involved a lot of manual work — and wasn’t ideal for visitors either. Payments had to be made at the admissions desk, which meant a long walk from parts of the car park. Staff had to patrol the area, check registrations recorded on paper, and chase unpaid vehicles.


The team wanted a more efficient way to manage parking that wouldn’t compromise the relaxed, scenic feel of the site. That’s where we came in.


A modern car park entrance with an ANPR camera capturing vehicle number plates as a car approaches the barrier.

The Challenge


  • Parking for garden visitors was included in their ticket, but other users needed to pay which created confusion.

  • Staff were spending too much time manually recording and checking vehicle registrations.

  • Payments could only be made at the admissions desk, causing delays and frustration.

  • There was no simple way to manage members of the nearby sports club who used the car park as a right of way.

  • The site needed signage that was both clear and in keeping with the garden’s natural surroundings.


The Solution


Avalon introduced a smart, visitor-friendly solution that worked with the unique character of the site:


  • Installed ANPR cameras and a modern pay station, giving visitors more convenient ways to pay.

  • Set up our smartphone payment system, allowing drivers to pay instantly by scanning a QR code.

  • Designed bespoke branded signage in collaboration with the client to suit the garden’s aesthetic, while staying compliant with industry standards.

  • Provided iPads at the admissions desk, shop and café so garden visitors could enter their registration and receive free parking.

  • Created a custom smartphone process for sports club members to register their vehicles and avoid PCNs.

  • Introduced a feature to flag lapsed garden members when their vehicles enter the car park, helping the team send renewal reminders and improve retention.


The Results


  • Revenue up from casual users: Significant increase in paid parking from visitors heading to the nearby beach and coastal path.

  • More membership renewals: Lapsed members are now easily identified, allowing the team to send timely reminders and boost recurring income.

  • Less time spent on admin: Staff no longer need to manually record registrations or patrol the car park, freeing up time for other tasks.

  • Better visitor experience: Paying for parking is quicker and easier, with clearer signage and simple smartphone options for all users.


Looking for a parking solution that fits your setting? We’ll help you keep things simple, smart and sensitive to your space. Let’s chat.

 
 
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