Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if my license plate does not scan?
License Plate Recognition technology is highly reliable. If your license plate is not recognized, use your secondary credential to enter or exit the facility.
Depending on your account setup, your secondary credential may be:
- A QR Code credential (most customers)
- A white access card (specific customers only)
If you use a QR Code, we recommend saving the credential to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for easy access.
If you are entering or exiting the facility and your secondary credential does not work, or you do not have access to your secondary credential, please contact the LPA Operations Team immediately at 717-869-6575.
After entering or exiting the facility, verify that your vehicle information is correct by:
- Logging into the Parking Services Portal
- Contacting your Permit Administrator (for group accounts)
- Emailing office@lancasterparkingauthority.com for assistance
What are my secondary credential options?
Depending on your account setup, your secondary credential may be:
- A QR Code issued by the Lancaster Parking Authority
- A white access card previously issued by the Lancaster Parking Authority
Both credentials can be used if License Plate Recognition is unavailable or if a registered vehicle is not being driven that day.
How do I obtain a QR Code credential?
A QR Code credential may be available as an alternate access method for permit holders.
You can access and print your QR Code through the Parking Services Portal. Select View Permits, choose your active permit, and select Print Permit.
If you have not received a QR Code or are unsure whether your account is eligible, please contact the Lancaster Parking Authority for assistance.
Email: office@lancasterparkingauthority.com
Phone: 717-299-0907
LPA staff can assist with:
- Obtaining a QR Code credential
- Reissuing a lost QR Code
- Updating account information
- Access credential questions
- Converting from a white access card to a QR Code, if available
Note: Availability of QR Code credentials may vary based on account type and parking facility.
How do I add my QR Code to Apple Wallet?
- Locate the QR Code attachment.
- Open or save the image on your iPhone.
- If supported, tap Add to Wallet.
- Review the details and tap Add.
Note: Some QR Codes may require a third-party app such as Pass4Wallet before they can be added to Apple Wallet.
How do I add my QR Code to Google Wallet?
- Open the Google Wallet app.
- Tap Add to Wallet.
- Select Photo.
- Choose the image containing your QR Code.
- Enter a name and description for the pass.
- Tap Add to save it.
Do I still need my white access card?
Some permit holders may continue using a white access card as a secondary credential. Customers who have been issued a QR Code may use either their QR Code or white access card, depending on their account setup.
We recommend keeping at least one secondary credential available in case your license plate cannot be read.
What if I drive multiple vehicles to the City?
You may register multiple license plates to your parking account, allowing you to use different vehicles throughout the week.
However, only one vehicle may use a permit for entry and exit at any given time. If a vehicle associated with your permit is already parked in the facility, another registered vehicle on the same account will not be able to use that permit for access.
If a vehicle associated with your permit is already parked in the facility, any additional vehicle entering the facility must pull a ticket and will be responsible for all applicable daily parking charges at the posted rates.
Customers may also use their assigned QR Code credential or white access card as an alternate method of entry and exit when needed.
If you need to have two vehicles parked in the same facility at the same time under permit parking privileges, each vehicle must have its own active parking permit.
My vehicle has a bike rack and the license plate does not read. What should I do?
If a bike rack, cargo carrier, weather conditions, dirt accumulation, or another obstruction prevents the license plate from being read, use your secondary credential.
Depending on your account setup, this may be:
- A QR Code credential
- A white access card
If you experience recurring issues with license plate recognition, please contact the Lancaster Parking Authority for assistance.
What if I get a new vehicle, replacement vehicle, rental vehicle, or new license plate?
Vehicle information should be updated as soon as possible through the Parking Services Portal or by contacting the Lancaster Parking Authority.
This includes:
- Newly purchased vehicles
- Rental vehicles
- Loaner vehicles
- Temporary replacement vehicles
- New license plates
Failure to update vehicle information may prevent License Plate Recognition from functioning properly.
What happens if my vehicle information is not up to date?
License Plate Recognition relies on accurate vehicle and license plate information. If your vehicle or license plate information is incorrect, your vehicle may not be recognized by the system.
Customers are responsible for keeping vehicle information current through the Parking Services Portal or by contacting the Lancaster Parking Authority.
Can I use an unregistered vehicle?
Only vehicles registered to your parking account should be used for License Plate Recognition access. If you are driving a vehicle that is not registered to your account, use your secondary credential or update your vehicle information through the Parking Services Portal before using the facility whenever possible.
What if I enter with one credential and exit with another?
Customers may enter or exit using any approved credential associated with their account, including License Plate Recognition (LPR), a QR Code credential, or a white access card, depending on their account configuration.
If you experience any issues, please contact the LPA Operations Team at 717-869-6575.
Can I share my permit with someone else?
No. Parking permits are assigned to the permit holder and registered vehicles associated with the account.
A permit may not be used simultaneously by multiple vehicles.
Sharing permits or credentials with individuals who are not authorized under the account may result in suspension or revocation of parking privileges.
What should I do if my QR Code is lost or deleted?
You may reprint your QR Code through the Parking Services Portal or contact the Lancaster Parking Authority for assistance obtaining a replacement copy.
What if I cannot access the Parking Services Portal?
If you are unable to log in to the Parking Services Portal, please contact the Lancaster Parking Authority at office@lancasterparkingauthority.com or 717-299-0907 for assistance.
My account is set up for automatic credit card payments. Will my payment process as usual?
Customers enrolled in recurring credit card payments may be required to update or re-enter their payment information during the transition to the new system. The Lancaster Parking Authority will communicate directly with affected customers if action is required.
What payment methods are accepted?
The Lancaster Parking Authority accepts:
- Credit and debit cards
- Cash
- Checks
- In-person card payments at the administrative office
How do I update vehicle information or add additional vehicles to my permit?
Email: office@lancasterparkingauthority.com
Our staff can assist with:
- Adding vehicles
- Removing vehicles
- Updating license plate information
- Access credential questions
When should I contact Operations versus the LPA Office?
Contact the LPA Operations Team at 717-869-6575 for:
- Immediate assistance entering or exiting a facility
- Access credential issues while at a facility
- Facility access emergencies
Contact the LPA Office at office@lancasterparkingauthority.com or 717-299-0907 for:
- Vehicle updates
- Account changes
- Payment questions
- Permit changes
- QR Code requests
- Parking Services Portal assistance
Who do I contact if I experience issues entering or exiting a facility?
Please contact the LPA Operations Team:
Phone: 717-869-6575
