“We’ll be introducing a Parking Pal system which utilises a fully automated process rather than the current, slower manual system.” Under the new system drivers will receive a ticket (a Parking Pal) when they enter the car park. They take the ticket with them and on return, pay at one of seven Pay-To-Go stations before collecting their vehicle.

There will be pairs of Pay-To-Go stations sheltered from the weather at the car park’s main pedestrian way to the terminal and another one near the car park exit.

The Pay-To-Go stations will accept cash, credit and eftpos cards. “Being able to pay at one of these seven stations will considerably reduce the queuing time we sometimes experience at our current exit booths,” says Mr Boswell.

To further speed up exit times, CIAL will run a third exit lane at peak times and will look at whether there is demand to add more. Alongside the new technology, the car parking project includes new shelters, signage, road works and enhanced security measures.

To help car parking customers get used to the new system, CIAL will distribute leaflets at the airport leading up to its introduction and have parking assistants on duty during the first month of operation.