Visitors to the Lake District National Park can now pay for parking with contactless technology… and help support local improvement works in the process.

The National Park Authority has installed new Flowbird solar powered terminals at 17 locations across the Lake District, including Grasmere, Hawkshead, Ambleside and Ullswater, widening payment options from coin-only to include card and contactless methods. Revenue generated by the parking facilities is reinvested in local improvement schemes to provide tourists with the best possible experience during their stay.

Simon Hill, Parking Manager at the Lake District National Park Authority, commented: “Parking control is an important element in protecting the impact of visitors on the Lake District’s beautiful natural environment – but it also generates an income stream that can help fund a variety of works of benefit to tourists, such as fixing footpaths, and provide financial support for local community projects.

“The terminals we have selected are solar powered, which helps to minimise the environmental impact, while the ability to pay using card and contactless options alongside coin will make it easier for visitors to use these facilities.”

The Flowbird Strada Rapide terminals are linked to Flowbird’s Smartfolio central management system, enabling the National Park Authority to remotely monitor its entire terminal estate and access detailed parking and payment transaction data.

All of Flowbird’s solar powered terminals are proven to operate effectively in all weather conditions, including areas like the Lake District which are known for high levels of rainfall.