Aberdeen’s Trinity Centre has significantly upgraded its multi-storey car park operations, transitioning to a 24/7 service complemented by a new ticketless parking system. This move follows the centre management’s acquisition of the car park last year and their commitment to maintaining competitive pricing for customers.
Previously, the 400-space car park operated with restricted hours, closing at 6:30 pm from Monday to Saturday and 6 pm on Sundays. As of today [Friday August 14 2026], the facility will remain open around the clock, providing extended accessibility for visitors attending events in the town centre, dining on Union Street, or enjoying performances at His Majesty’s Theatre.
A key feature of the enhanced service is the introduction of an automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system. This ticketless entry and exit mechanism is designed to streamline the parking experience, eliminating the need for physical tickets or queueing at payment machines.
Customers are required to register their vehicle and payment details once on the Trinity Centre website, after which their car will be automatically recognised and charged upon entry and exit. The system operates without the need for a dedicated mobile application.
The centre’s management has stated its ambition to offer “the cheapest parking” among Aberdeen’s shopping centres. Current pricing includes rates ranging from £2.50 for one hour to £16 for a full 24-hour stay. A pre-booked “TPass” day rate is available for £6.50, with an annual unlimited pass priced at £1,260.
Kenny Bruce, the Trinity Centre manager, highlighted the broader economic impact of these improvements:
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“Aberdeen drivers have had a hard time of it lately and a some people have got out of the habit of coming into town at all. We are one of the few car parks you can reach without going into the LEZ. This is not really about only our own shops. If somebody parks with us and spends their money in a restaurant or at HMT, I will take that. That money pays somebody’s wages in Aberdeen and we care about this city centre.”
The initiative is part of a wider investment strategy by the Trinity Centre, which includes hundreds of thousands of pounds allocated for a new escalator connecting to Guild Street. The car park itself is equipped with CCTV surveillance, sensor lighting, and benefits from night patrols to ensure security. Additionally, a new entrance from Union Street will provide direct access to level three of the car park, even when the main mall is closed, requiring drivers to either key in their registration or scan their ticket for entry.
Centre bosses express confidence that these changes will encourage increased footfall into Aberdeen city centre by offering a more convenient and accessible parking solution.
