Help Me Ticket and meter parking: what the signs mean
Updated 27 October 2026
Short answer: "Ticket" on a parking sign means you have to pay, usually at a nearby machine or through a parking app, and the plate's time limit still applies. "Meter" means you pay at the meter for that space. Outside the hours shown, that plate doesn't apply and parking is usually free.
Ticket parking
Pay at a ticket machine and, if it gives you one, display the ticket on your dashboard. Many councils also take payment in an app such as Park'nPay, PayStay or EasyPark. Paying doesn't extend the limit: "Ticket 2P" means you can pay for up to 2 hours.
Meter parking
Each space, or a short row of spaces, has its own meter. Pay at the meter for the time you need, up to the limit on the plate.
When it's free
Paid parking only applies during the hours and days on the plate. Arrive after the paid hours end and you don't have to pay, unless another plate on the pole says otherwise.
Common questions
Do I have to pay for ticket parking on Sundays?
Only if the plate's days include Sunday. If it says Mon–Fri, Sunday is free from that plate.
Can I pay for longer than the time limit?
No. You can only pay for up to the limit shown, such as 2 hours for Ticket 2P.
What if the ticket machine is broken?
Rules vary by council. Use the council's parking app if there is one, or record the machine number and report it.