Overview
An unreserved permit gives you first-come, first-served access to a parking facility. You can't book a space in advance — just drive up, and your session will start automatically if a space is available.
When you arrive and leave, an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera scans your licence plate at the gate. In most cases, you won't need to open the Parkable app at all. You can check the app before leaving to see if spaces are available.
Important: Make sure your licence plate is loaded to your Parkable account before you arrive. Without it, ANPR can't start a session for you.
Tip: Check availability before you set off — see How to check unreserved permit availability & see overflow pricing for how, plus the cost if you need to use an overflow space.
Entering and exiting
Drive to the gate
The ANPR camera scans your licence plate
Your session starts (or ends) automatically and the gate opens
Park in any Unreserved space. Your app home screen will show Active parking while your session is running.
If the entry gate doesn't open
Check your phone — you may have received a push notification with instructions. Options depending on what you see:
"Are you driving [ABC123]?" — tap to confirm (the vehicle is shared with another user)
"No unreserved spaces left" — tap to see your options (paid overflow or a reserved space, if available)
"Car park full" — tap to open the gate and drive back out; no session will be charged
No notification — scan the QR code at the gate and follow the prompts in the app
Session already started but the gate won't open — scan the QR code within 15 minutes and tap Open gate to try again
If the exit gate doesn't open
Check your phone — you may have received a notification with a banner to open the exit gate. Tap it to open the gate and end your session.
If you don't get a notification, scan the QR code at the exit gate and tap Open gate in the app.
FAQs
Can I book a space in advance with an unreserved permit?
No. Unreserved permits are first-come, first-served. If you need guaranteed parking, ask your parking administrator about a reserved permit.
What if someone else has the same vehicle on their Parkable account?
Everyone with that plate on their account gets a push notification saying "Are you driving [ABC123]?". Tap to confirm, and your session starts.