Changes to City Centre auto-bollards
Our auto-bollards systems are designed to keep city centre visitors and residents safe, while managing vehicle access to parts of the city where vehicles and pedestrians share the road.
How it works
- The new system uses on a two-stage verification process where a 6-digit PIN number is matched to the vehicle’s number plate using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) software.
- Drivers will enter their PIN on a keypad close to the bollard system they are accessing.
- Only vehicles registered on the system can gain access where the PIN and number plate match.
- You will need your personal details and the details of your vehicle to register.
- Applications are free and processed immediately for allowable hours access.
- You can register more than one vehicle for a permit but any additional vehicle will be treated as an additional allowable hours permit, and will need a separate application.
- You will need to re-register every three months.
During allowable hours, all registered vehicles are able to access the areas restricted by the bollard systems. Drivers who need access outside of these hours need a different permit: this is subject to an admin fee, which must be paid before the application is assessed.
You can email publicrealm@manchester.gov.uk with any questions you may have relating to this new process. We aim to reply to any questions within 5 working days.