We are aware of a parking scam related to fake QR codes and what is known as "quishing". This is where you are asked to scan a QR code to pay for parking. While we do use QR codes on our Pay and Display machines, this goes straight to MiPermit for cashless parking only. If you see any other website when scanned, do not make any payments through it, as it is a scam. Our staff have been working to remove these as quickly as possible. If you see any QR codes that look fake, you should report them to us.
Car parks
We own and maintain several car parks in the Chelmsford area. Our car parks offer a range of short-term, long-term and mixed stay parking.
You can also read our car park terms and conditions, view a map (below) or download a map.
The list below only covers council-run car parks. If you are looking for details of private car parks, you can visit Parkopedia.
Unless otherwise stated, normal weekday charges apply in all of our car parks on bank/public holidays that fall on a weekday.
Normal weekend charges apply in all of our car parks on bank/public holidays that fall on a Saturday or Sunday.
If you are a Blue Badge holder, you can park in a car park disabled bay. You can park for free for the first three hours unless otherwise stated on the car park sign. You should clearly display a valid disabled person’s badge and time clock, or we will issue a parking fine (Penalty Charge Notice).
After three hours, you will need to move your vehicle (or pay normal prices), or we will issue a parking fine (Penalty Charge Notice).
If you are locked in one of our car parks after it closes, you can call 01245 606299. However, depending on staffing levels, you may not get your vehicle released immediately.
If you are able to get your vehicle released immediately, you will need to pay a £50 release fee.
If you lose your ticket in a car park with a barrier, you will need to pay a lost ticket fee. This applies to the following car parks:
- High Chelmer: £20
- Meadows Retail: £8.50
- Townfield Street: £10.50
You have the option to use the MiPermit app to pay for parking at most of our surface car parks. You can watch our video on How to use MiPermit.
Essex County Council operate two Park and Ride services in Chelmsford:
