The Commie unveils new car parking system

The Royal Commonwealth Pool has unveiled its new car parking system which will go ‘live’, from Monday (19 October). 

The system has been installed by innovative parking solutions’ company, Orbility, and will allow for a smoother car-parking experience for customers when using this iconic venue.

Claire Rusack, Manager at the Royal Commonwealth Pool explained: “The lower and upper car park has become busier and busier over the years, which has made it a challenge for our customers to get parked. The situation has been made worse by members of the public and local office workers making use of the facilities when they are not using the facilities.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, Edinburgh Leisure is constantly reinvesting in our venues. The time was right therefore to modernise the car park control system and to introduce a new barrier system with customer charges in both car parks – although for your average visit, customers using the facilities within the Commie, will not be penalised.”

Charges for using the Royal Commonwealth Pool car park will be free for customers for the first 3-hours; £2.00 for 3-4 hours; and £10.00 for 4-hours plus.

Customers who need to pay a charge, can pay at either of the two pay points, located in the main reception area of the Royal Commonwealth Pool, next to the Arena access gate or outside the front entrance door of the Commie.  Payment will be by card payment only as Edinburgh Leisure now operates as a cashless operation across all areas.

There will be a free 15-minute grace period to enable customers to drop off and pick-ups to take place.

Claire Rusack said:  “The pricing structure has been designed to enable most customers using the Commonwealth Pool to access free parking and those who wish to stay around for longer will need to pay. So effectively, our customers will be able to access 3-hours of free car parking and any time more than this will be chargeable, similar to the system in place at Fountainpark.

The new car parking is simple and easy to use. Welcome hosts on hand to guide any customers through this during the early stages.

On arriving, a customer approaches the car park barrier, where a ticket will be issued. They attend the Royal Commonwealth Pool for their activity.  Before leaving, they are required to scan their ticket using one of the five validating machines around the venue. 

The validated ticket then needs to be inserted into the payment machines, even if it is within the 3-hour free parking.  On leaving, the customer drives to the barrier, which will open automatically using number plate recognition if the ticket has been processed correctly in the pay machines. If a customer forgets to pay or validate their tickets, there will be a contactless payment reader at the exit barrier where they can pay.

During lockdown, The Royal Commonwealth Pool has further invested in its infrastructure with the installation of self-serve access.

Due to COVID-19 implications, the self-serve system has simplified the access for a customer meaning no more delays at reception. Customers with an Edinburgh Leisure card with a ‘contactless’ symbol or an Edinburgh Leisure fob, can simply swipe through the gates to their pre-booked activities.   Customers who might not have a card with the contactless symbol, can upgrade for free on their next visit.

For more information:   www.edinburghleisure.co.uk