A hi-tech new Civic Centre car park system is to make it more welcoming and convenient for visitors, while helping improve traffic flow in the city.

The work – part of City of Wolverhampton Council car park upgrades – will provide a faster, ticketless entry and exit.

It will enable live data to be fed to the council’s electronic roadside signs so people can see where parking spaces are available. This will allow drivers to make decisions on approach to the city centre, easing traffic at peak times.

Interactive digital screens at the car park will also be able to display important messages and useful information, enhancing the experience for those – including visitors to University of Wolverhampton at The Halls.

Improvements to internal car park signs are also planned.

The car park will remain in use throughout the work, which starts on Monday March 17, using the current ticketing system.

From March 24 the entry and exit points from Wulfruna Street will be reduced to one lane for the duration of the work, which is expected to be completed towards the end of April.

The North Street entry and exit will be closed for up to a week from April 2. However, during this time, the exit onto North Street will be in use for anyone using the car park for evening events at University of Wolverhampton at The Halls.

Once live the new Skidata automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system will mean barriers raise immediately for drivers on arrival.

Prior to departure, the customer will have to make a payment either in person, at a pay station, exit barrier or via digital payment methods.

The user-friendly pay stations will feature a large touch screen for drivers to input their registration before paying using cash, card or contactless methods – including mobile phones.

The barrier will then automatically allow their vehicle out.

Those who choose to log their vehicle and payment details via the Skidata Autopay portal – once the new system is live – will be able to drive in and out at their leisure with their accounts charged on departure.

A ticket option will also be available for those who prefer, while tickets will also be issued for all vehicles not recognised by the ANPR system.

The switchover to the new system will help cut maintenance costs of outdated machines and reduce third party app fees.

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Cabinet Member for Transport and Green City, said: “Having well-maintained, safe and secure car parking facilities to serve customers is an important part of Wolverhampton's future development and builds on the major investment in the city centre.

“We have a strong offer for visitors provided by the city centre’s major visitor venues, such as the Grand Theatre, Wolves Football Club, and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls.

“They will be further boosted by the opening this year of a new leisure hub at the Mander Centre and an expanded independent cinema at the Chubb Building.

“Linking up the ANPR technology with our electronic roadside signs enhances convenience and will help improve traffic flow in and around the city centre at busy times.”

Upgrades will be carried out at other council car parks in the coming months.