Updated car parking system at NRW sites
An upgraded and improved car parking system is being introduced at three of our popular sites.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is installing barrierless automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems at Coed y Brenin, Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest.
Installation will take place during the week commencing 16 March 2026 and the new system will go live on 30 March and will be managed in partnership with First Parking and RingGo following a procurement exercise.
Payments can be made online, via an app or by card at physical parking machines and visitors can extend their parking time via online or via the app.
Visitors have up until midnight on the day of arrival to pay for their parking and there is a 30-minute window after arrival where they will not be charged
Overnight parking is not allowed at any NRW site and those caught are liable to face a fine.
Neil Stoddart, NRW’s Head of Sustainable Commercial Development, said:
“We are pleased to be working with First Parking and RingGo to introduce the new parking system to these three popular destinations.
“As well as providing a better service to visitors, the new system will provide CCTV which will assist with reporting and investigating anti-social behavior and will allow us to monitor and issue Penalty Charge Notices for those parking overnight in our car parks.
“Income generated will be reinvested into our recreation and environmental assets in the area to help us support communities and visitors to connect with the outdoors and nature.”
First Parking is an experienced parking enforcement company regulated by the British Parking Association, and RingGo is the largest parking app provider in the UK and is used by many local council car parks in Wales.
Blue Badge holders will continue to be able to park free of charge and there will be no change for residents eligible for free parking.
You can find out more information and how to apply for a season pass at:
naturalresources.wales/coed-y-brenin
naturalresources.wales/bwlch-nant-yr-arian
naturalresources.wales/newborough