Bournemouth University Smarter Parking with Hozah® – the case study

Bournemouth University (BU), a large, dynamic campus spanning multiple sites, was seeking a flexible, automated permit system to replace its limited and outdated ANPR setup. The solution needed to handle diverse permit eligibility, provide seamless payment options, and cater to a broad spectrum of user types (staff, students, and visitors). By partnering with Hozah, BU adopted an innovative ecosystem that enhances the driver experience, streamlines administration, and ensures compliance with VAT requirements.

Overview

• 16 Car Parks – Not All ANPR-Equipped: Despite the university’s size and complexity, not every car park was equipped with ANPR cameras. This patchwork approach made consistent permit validation challenging.
• Diverse User Base: Staff, students (who are VAT-exempt), and one-off visitors required different tariff structures, permissions, and payment methods.
• Immediate Permit Fulfilment: BU wanted users to be able to apply, be approved, and pay (or have costs waived) without delay.
• Seamless Technology: BU needed a solution that integrated easily with its Single Sign-On (SSO) systems, as well as existing (and future) ANPR infrastructure.

The Challenge

• Flexible Permit Assignment: Permits had to be issued automatically, based on eligibility criteria such as driver category (staff, student, visitor).
• Immediate VAT Exemption Recognition: Student permits needed separate VAT reporting.
• Varied Payment Options: Some drivers preferred to pay per visit (Autopay PAYG), while others required ongoing or zero-cost permits.
• Uneven ANPR Coverage: Not all 16 sites had ANPR cameras, requiring a solution that worked seamlessly across both ANPR and non-ANPR car parks.

Key Objectives

• Introduce SSO-based permit applications for a seamless and intuitive user experience.

• Automate tariff calculations and permit approvals based on user inputs.

• Integrate with ANPR in existing sites; plan for future camera installations at other locations.

• Offer app-free and cashless Autopay for those who prefer a PAYG model.

• Provide a dedicated support channel for permit administration, reducing the pressure on university staff.

• Ensure all VAT exemptions are correctly processed and reported.

Implementation Approach

1. Discovery & Planning:

   • Conducted stakeholder workshops to refine BU’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 BU 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 BU’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 BU representatives to review performance data, feedback, and next-phase requirements.

      

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

1. Single Sign-On Integration:

   • BU 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 their account.

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:

   • BU 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.

Ongoing Support & Reporting

Monthly Usage & Financial Reports:

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

Regular Meetings & Feedback

• Hozah^® meets with BU 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 BU’s staff can stay focused on core responsibilities.

Results

Seamless Permit Management

• Instant Approvals: Staff and students received permits aligned with eligibility rules, removing manual admin tasks.
• Student VAT Exemption: Reports clearly distinguished student usage, ensuring accurate financial reporting.

Improved Flexibility

• Autopay PAYG: Drivers who rarely park on-site avoided costly monthly fees, paying only when they actually parked.
• Multiple Payment Options: Users can access a quick, app-free payment journey with no requirement to download or top up.

Reduced Administrative Burden

• BU staff reported fewer inquiries since Hozah^® handled direct driver support.
• Whitelisting, VRM changes, and permit queries all flowed through Hozah.

Enhanced Data Visibility

• Centralised reporting provided real-time insight into usage trends, allowing BU to optimise car park capacity and plan future ANPR expansions

Conclusion

With Hozah’s automated permit system, Bournemouth University has successfully modernised its parking operations across multiple car parks, both ANPR-enabled and not, without burdening university teams. The combination of Single Sign-On, AI-based tariff assignment, Autopay PAYG, and dedicated support has streamlined BU’s internal processes while delivering a stress-free parking experience.

Next Steps

Bournemouth University plans to expand ANPR coverage to additional car parks, with Hozah^® providing ongoing support, monthly performance reports, and any necessary system enhancements, continuing to build on this successful collaboration.

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