University of Hertfordshire and Hozah Revolutionise University Parking

The University of Hertfordshire (HU), a large, multi-site campus, required a modern, fully automated parking system to replace its manual processes and limited visibility. With thousands of vehicle movements each week, it needed a solution that could manage diverse user types (staff, students, visitors), handle complex permit concessions (e.g. Blue Badge), and reduce the high admin burden of season tickets. 

Hozah^® delivered a smart, scalable AutoPay solution that modernised campus parking, removing the need for physical permits, hardware upgrades, or cash payments.

Overview

• Multi-Site Parking Estate, Existing ANPR Infrastructure: The university operates a large, multi-site parking estate with ANPR already in place at many locations. A flexible solution was needed that could build on this foundation without major hardware upgrades.
• Mixed User Base: Staff, students, visitors, Blue Badge holders, and season ticket users each required different levels of access, concessions, and payment flexibility.
• Admin-Free Access: The goal was to eliminate manual permit processing and payments, allowing eligible users to park without having to tap, display, or apply in advance.
• Seamless Integration: Hozah’s car park management system had to integrate with the university’s existing infrastructure, working alongside live ANPR feeds and supporting different user account types without disruption.

The Challenge

• High Administrative Burden: Manual processing of season tickets and Blue Badge concessions was time-consuming and error-prone, placing pressure on internal teams.
• Inconsistent Payment Experience: Drivers faced varied payment methods across sites, leading to confusion and missed revenue opportunities.
• Lack of Real-Time Insight: Limited data visibility made it difficult to understand usage patterns or adjust parking strategy effectively.
• Need for Automatic Concession Recognition: Blue Badge and season ticket holders require reliable, automated access, without needing physical permits or manual checks.

Key Objectives

• Streamline Access Through Automation: Introduce a fully automated permit and payment system to reduce manual processing for season tickets and Blue Badge holders.
• Deliver a Seamless Driver Experience: Ensure drivers, staff, students, and visitors can park without needing to download an app, display permits, or handle cash.
• Maximise ANPR Integration: Utilise existing ANPR infrastructure with no hardware upgrades, while allowing for future scalability.
• Reduce Administrative Overhead: Free up internal resources by removing the burden of managing payments, concessions, and physical permits.
• Improve Data Transparency: Provide live reporting to support smarter decision-making and future parking strategy.

Implementation Approach

1. Discovery & Planning:

   • Conducted stakeholder workshops to refine HU’s permit categories and user journeys.
   • Identified priority car parks for immediate ANPR integration, with a roadmap for future camera rollouts.

2. System Configuration: 

   • Built SSO links and set up custom eligibility questions (e.g. staff full-time vs. part-time, student status, visitor pass requirements).

   • Programmed Hozah’s AI tariff engine to assign the correct permit category instantly.

3. Pilot Rollout:

   • Deployed to a small subset of HU staff and students for initial testing.

   • Gathered feedback on the application flow, AutoPay experience, and whitelisting function.

4. Full Launch & Communication: 

   • Created guides and FAQs for HU’s intranet.

   • Provided staff training sessions to introduce the Hozah portal and tablets for on-site vehicle management.

5. Ongoing Optimisation: 

   • Monitored daily usage and addressed any integration refinements in real time.

   • Hosted monthly check-ins with HU representatives to review performance data, feedback, and next-phase requirements.

      

Key deliverables that brought HU’s innovative, automated permit solution to life

1. Single Sign-On Integration:

   • HU drivers logged into an online portal using existing university credentials.

   • The system automatically recognised user categories (staff, students, visitors).

2. AI Tariff Engine:

   • Hozah’s engine processed each user’s responses to qualifying questions.

   • Permit types were assigned instantly, with payment taken immediately, or waived for zero-cost permits.

3. Autopay PAYG:

   • Drivers who opted out of a full permit could link their bank account for AutoPay, paying only for the days they used a car park.

   • Especially beneficial for students on a tight budget, as it eliminates the need to manually top up.

4. Dedicated ANPR Integration: 

   • In car parks where ANPR was already in place, Hozah’s system recognised vehicle entry/exit and automatically applied the correct rules, tariffs, or exemptions.

   • Student permits were flagged as VAT-exempt, generating correct financial reporting.

5. Centralised Support & Whitelisting:

   • HU staff accessed the Hozah^® portal (and Hozah-supplied tablets) to manage real-time whitelisting, ideal for one-off events or urgent access.

   • All VRM changes and driver queries were handled directly by Hozah, freeing university teams from day-to-day administrative tasks.

Results

Seamless Permit & Concession Management 

• Automated Season Ticket & Blue Badge Handling: Eligible drivers, such as season ticket and Blue Badge holders, had concessions applied automatically, eliminating the need for physical permits or manual approval. 
• Reduced Admin Time: Automation significantly cut the number of hours spent on permit admin, freeing up university staff for higher-value tasks. 

Improved Flexibility & Payment Experience 

• App-Free AutoPay: Drivers could park without downloading an app, tapping in, or using cash, simplifying the experience for staff, students, and visitors alike. 
• Pay-As-You-Go Convenience: AutoPay allowed occasional drivers to pay only when they parked, avoiding the need for fixed-term permits or prepayments. 

Data-Driven Decisions 

• Detailed Reporting: Access to usage data gave the university greater visibility into parking trends, helping inform future policy and infrastructure planning. 

Ongoing Support & Reporting

Monthly Usage & Financial Reports:

• Hozah supplies HU with data on the number of active permits, their frequency of use, and the percentage of drivers who choose PayByWeb.
• Financial summaries outline tariffs collected, zero-cost permits, and the VAT breakdown for all transactions.

Regular Meetings & Feedback

• Hozah^® meets with HU teams every month to assess system performance, handle any technical queries, and discuss future enhancements (e.g. extending ANPR to new sites).

Dedicated Customer Support

• Hozah’s support team manages driver queries about account issues, VRM changes, or payment details, so HU’s staff can stay focused on core responsibilities.

Conclusion

With Hozah’s fully automated AutoPay system, the University of Hertfordshire has successfully modernised its campus-wide parking, simplifying payments, reducing admin, and enhancing the overall driver experience. By removing the need for physical permits, introducing automated concessions, and supporting cashless, app-free payments, Hozah has helped the university reduce operational strain while improving compliance and satisfaction.

Next Steps

The University of Hertfordshire continues to work closely with Hozah® to optimise its parking estate, with plans for ongoing enhancements, regular reporting, and expanded use of automation across all locations. 

Want to Simplify Your Parking Experience?

Want to learn how Hozah^® can support your site? Reach out to hello@hozah.com for a free consultation.