Access to automatic bollards
Caution: never tailgate the vehicle in front of you because the bollards come up again immediately - and quickly - after the registered vehicle has passed.
Registration
You must pre-register any vehicle that needs access to an area that's restricted by automatic bollards. You'll need your personal details and details of your vehicle: applications are processed immediately and are free for access during allowable hours.
If you are at the bollards and about to register your vehicle, you must move away and park elsewhere first.
The system operates 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 enter their vehicle's PIN on a keypad close to the bollard system they want to drive through. The PIN is then cross-referenced on the system database and the bollards will lower. However, if your vehicle is not registered or is different from the one you have a pincode for, the bollards will not allow access. Only vehicles registered on the system can gain access and then only where the PIN and number plate match.
Working permits
You need a working permit for scaffolding, hoarding, skips, mobile elevated platforms, cranes, utility works or building works during access at restricted times. You’ll need your working permit before you apply for access to bollards.
Allowable hours of access
Access through the new automatic bollards will be authorised to registered vehicles at the following locations and times in accordance with the Traffic Regulation Order.
| Location | Allowable hours | Map reference |
|---|---|---|
| Barton Square (entry) | 6am to 10.30am | 1 |
| Canal Street (entry from Abingdon Street) | 7.30am to 12noon | 2 |
| Canal Street / Sackville Street (automatic exit) | 7.30am to 12noon | 3 |
| Canal Street / Sackville Street (entry) | 7.30am to 12noon | 4 |
| Canal Street / Chorlton Street (exit) | 7.30am to 12noon | 5 |
| Canal Street / Chorlton Street (entry) | 7.30am to 12noon | 6 |
| Canal Street / Minshull Street (exit) | 7.30am to 12noon | 7 |
| Cateaton Street (exit) | 6am to 10.30am | 8 |
| Exchange Street (St Ann's Square) (entry) | 6am to 10.30am | 9 |
| Exchange Street (St Ann's Square) (exit) | Automatic exit | 10 |
| Fennel Street (entry) | 6am to 10.30am | 11 |
| King Street (entry) | 6am to 10.30am | 12 |
| King street (exit) | 6am to 10.30am | 13 |
| Long Millgate (dual entry and automatic exit) | 5am to 11am | 14 |
| Market Street (entry) | 6am to 10.30am | 15 |
| Market Street (exit) | Automatic exit | 16 |
| Police Street (entry) | 6am to 10.30am | 17 |
| Ridgefield (exit) | Automatic exit | 18 |
| Sackville / Brazil Street | 24 hours Monday to Thursday, 12am to 8pm Friday, 5.30am to 8pm Saturday, 5.30am to 12am Sunday, 5.30am to 8pm Public and Bank Holidays |
19 |
Completing your application
You will need to re-register your vehicle every three months. When adding the start and end dates, you will be restricted to a three month period.
To select more than one location for each vehicle, choose and add each location separately on the form until you have completed the list of locations that vehicle will need to access. If you have more than one vehicle you'll need to register each one separately.
We send the pin code to you according to the preferred communication you tell us on your application form. If you choose email, remember to check your Junk folder.
Outside of allowable hours access
In exceptional circumstances out of hours access can be requested to streets restricted by automatic bollards within the City Centre.
There is an £85 administration fee for this, which must be paid before your application form will be assessed and verified. You'll need to allow five working days from the date of your submitted fee payment for your application to be assessed, and we will let you know whether or not your application is successful.
We can only authorise exceptional cases, so - before submitting an application - we'd advise that you check if you can access the restricted areas within Allowable Hours.
Private parking access (39 Deansgate)
Access to private parking spaces behind 39 Deansgate only is authorised 24 hours a day via Barton Square.
All vehicles must pre-register to access the private parking spaces through the automatic bollard entry at Barton Square junction with St Ann’s Street. You will need your personal details and details of your vehicle. Applications take five days to process; the permits are free.
Apply for a permit for private parking behind 39 Deansgate.
Map
See our map for locations of all the city centre automatic bollards.
Open a larger version of the map
For more help or advice email: publicrealm2@manchester.gov.uk (emails monitored Monday to Friday in normal working hours, excluding Bank Holidays)