๐ Clarence Street Car Park (HU9 1AL) โ Complete Hull City Centre Parking Guide
Low-cost, central Hull parking by Great Union Streetโnear Queenโs Gardens, Hull New Theatre & The Deep. Clear tariffs, access guidance, EV options, accessibility notes, and expert tips for smooth, stress-free visits.
๐ Type: Public Surface Pay & Display
๐ Open: Generally accessible 24/7 (always follow on-site signage)
๐ Rating: No consolidated rating publicly published at the time of writing
๐ฐ Pricing & Permits
Cost (indicative):
This site has historically been positioned as a budget-friendly surface car park. In practice, central Hull long-stay benchmarks commonly cluster around low single-digit daily tariffs. A sensible budgeting assumption is ~ยฃ3 for a dayโs parking, with the understanding that on-site tariff boards override any third-party figures and can be changed by the operator without prior notice.
Payment:
- Pay & Display is typical for this site.
- Coins are often accepted at surface-lot P&D machines.
- Many nearby council-run long-stay car parks support MiPermit or similar apps; it is prudent to have a parking app installed even if you intend to pay by cash at Clarence Street, so you can pivot easily if machines are out of service or if you choose to use an alternative nearby car park.
Operating Hours & Charging Windows:
- Surface car parks in Hull typically state charging hours (e.g., daytime bands) or a flat โall-dayโ tariff.
- Evening and overnight periods are often relaxed; however, you must still follow the posted rules and check whether overnight charges or restrictions apply.
- Sunday concessions (e.g., reduced daytime rates) are common across central long-stay facilities, but are not guaranteed at every siteโverify on the tariff board.
Blue Badge Policy (General Guidance):
- Within Hull, Blue Badge holders often enjoy free or concessionary parking in council-operated car parks during charging hours; however, rules vary by car park and operator.
- At a minimum, expect to display your Blue Badge (and clock if required) and observe bay-specific signage.
- Where dedicated disabled bays are marked, park wholly within the bay and avoid obstructing transfer space.
Season/Commuter Options (Context):
- For regular city-centre users, weekly or monthly long-stay passes are widely used at council-run sites.
- Acceptance and validity of any pass/permit is car-park specific. Clarence Street is generally treated as a pay-per-use surface car park; do not assume passes sold for council long-stay sites will be valid here unless explicitly stated on the permit terms.
Enforcement Environment:
- Expect standard civil enforcement: pay for the correct session, clearly display any ticket where required, activate the app session if using mobile payments, and park within marked bays.
- Improper display, expired sessions, or mis-keyed registrations can attract Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). Double-check your vehicle registration before confirming any app payment.
Bottom line: Budget ~ยฃ3/day for planning, arrive with coins and a parking app as backup, and always defer to the on-site signage for the live tariff and rules.
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
Overall Scale:
Clarence Street is a medium-sized surface car park serving the eastern edge of Hull city centre, close to Great Union Street (A1165). It typically accommodates well over a hundred cars and functions as a practical alternative to multi-storey facilities further west.
Layout & Surfacing:
- Open-air, level surface suitable for everyday passenger vehicles.
- No height restrictionโuseful for vans and higher-roof vehicles that cannot access multi-storey car parks.
- Marked bays in the core areas; unmarked margins may appear where the layout meets walls, fencing, or kerb linesโonly use clearly permitted spaces.
Lighting & After-Dark Use:
- Standard column lighting is typical of surface city-centre lots.
- As with any urban car park, secure valuables out of sight and prefer well-lit areas when choosing a bay at night.
Security Features (Contextual):
- Expect a basic urban security profile: perimeter walls/fencing at edges, routine patrols varying by operator/council area, and CCTV presence at some nearby facilities.
- No manned kiosk is expected on site; assistance is usually via pay machine intercom, posted help numbers, or operator customer service.
Ingress & Egress:
- Approaches typically via Clarence Street and the Great Union Street (A1165) corridor.
- During peak periods, the A1165 can queue; allow extra minutes for turns, especially when heading back toward the A63.
โฟ Accessibility
On-Site Accessibility (General Expectations):
- Surface layout provides a level, kerb-conscious approach from bays to footways.
- Designated disabled bays may be present; however, if they are fully occupied, choose a level, generously sized standard bay that permits safe transfer.
- Dropped kerbs and tactile paving are common along city-centre walking routes; conditions vary with ongoing works.
Blue Badge Practicalities:
- Always display the Blue Badge prominently (and set the time clock if using a time-limited concession).
- Check the tariff board to confirm any Blue Badge concessions at this specific site.
- For step-free routes, consider the Queenโs Gardens and Hull College approach if you are heading towards the civic/cultural quarter, as gradients are generally forgiving.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up:
- Kerbside drop-off on Clarence Street is usually the most straightforward, subject to any loading bans or clearway restrictions.
- Keep stops brief and avoid obstructing access lanes or parked vehicles.
๐ EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging:
- No confirmed on-site EV charging is published for Clarence Street at the time of writing.
Nearby Charging (Context & Strategy):
- The city-centre core includes a mix of council-run and private EV bays, usually AC (7kW) in surface or multi-storey sites, with occasional DC fast chargers at retail or transport nodes.
- For reliability, pre-check availability in your preferred app before arrival and consider charging while you shop or visit attractions.
- Backup plan: If your first-choice charger is busy, pivot to a secondary hub rather than waiting idlyโHullโs compact centre keeps walking times manageable.
EV Driver Tips:
- Bring your own Type 2 cable for AC posts where required.
- Confirm parking fees vs. charging feesโsome sites require both to be active simultaneously.
- Observe bay etiquette (move your vehicle once charging is complete) to keep infrastructure free for others.
๐ Peak Times & Occupancy (Indicative Patterns)
| Timeframe | Typical Occupancy | Primary User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 07:00โ09:00 | High | Commuters from the A1165 / eastern approach |
| Weekdays 12:00โ14:00 | MediumโHigh | Shoppers, appointments, education and civic visitors |
| Event Evenings | High | Theatre & concertgoers (Hull New Theatre, City Hall) |
| Sundays (daytime) | Lower to Medium | Leisure, family visits, Old Town exploration |
What that means for you:
- Arrive early on weekdays if you need a bay close to the exit lanes.
- For evening events, target arrival 60โ90 minutes before curtain for a comfortable buffer.
- Sundays can be attractive for value-seeking visitors, especially when combined with Old Town walks and waterfront attractions.
๐ถ Walkability Score (From HU9 1AL)
| Destination | Approx. Walk Time | Why Park Here |
|---|---|---|
| Queenโs Gardens / Hull College | ~8โ10 minutes | Flat, pleasant city-centre approach; good for daytime visits and civic appointments. |
| Hull New Theatre | ~10โ12 minutes | Often cheaper and simpler than multi-storey options on show nights. |
| Princes Quay / Trinity Market (Old Town) | ~12โ15 minutes | Central shopping and food hall options; easy sightseeing linkage. |
| The Deep (Aquarium) | ~15โ18 minutes | Budget-friendly alternative to on-site parking; scenic waterfront walk. |
Route Notes:
- The River Hull crossings and city-centre footways are well signposted; expect urban pavements, signalised crossings, and occasional temporary diversions during street works.
- Evening walks benefit from the main avenues where lighting is strongest and footfall is higher.
๐ Nearby Amenities
Essentials:
- Public Toilets: Typically available at major civic venues and shopping centres within 10โ15 minutes on foot (check opening hours).
- ATMs: Found throughout the city-centre retail zone; consider the Old Town and primary shopping streets.
- Pharmacies: Multiple branches in central Hull; weekday daytime access is straightforward.
Food & Drink (10โ15 minutes on foot):
- Trinity Marketโpopular street-food hall with rotating vendors.
- Old Townโcharacter pubs and cafรฉs clustered around historic streets.
- Princes Quayโfast and casual options with indoor seating.
Groceries & Quick Bites:
- Convenience stores are dotted around the central grid; ideal for drinks and snacks en route to venues or post-event.
๐ ฟ๏ธ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance (Walk) | Cost Profile | Max Stay | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Council Long-Stay (e.g., Francis Street) | ~10โ12 minutes | Commonly budget-friendly day tariffs in central Hull | Long-stay | Clear, published day tariffs; marked disabled bays. |
| George Street Multi-Storey (Council) | ~12โ15 minutes | Competitive all-day pricing | Long-stay | High capacity; reliable city-centre access. |
| Private Surface/Multi-Storey (e.g., High Street / Old Town) | ~15โ18 minutes | Varies by operator; app discounts possible | Usually 24h | Flexible access, app-based offers, proximity to waterfront/Old Town. |
How to choose quickly:
- All-day value: Clarence Street or a council long-stay.
- Closest to Old Town sights: High Street / Old Town options.
- Largest capacity: George Street MSCP or other central multi-storeys.
โ ๏ธ Important Notices
Access & Traffic Management:
- The A1165 / Great Union Street corridor can be busy at peak times.
- Bridge works or temporary diversions (e.g., at key crossings) may affect routes into and out of the eastern side of the centre; check local traffic updates on the day of travel.
Overnight & Multi-Day Stays:
- While the car park is generally accessible around the clock, overnight parking is always subject to the posted conditions.
- If leaving a vehicle multiple days, ensure your ticket/app session covers the entitlement, and revisit the vehicle if rules require daily renewal.
Security & Valuables:
- Standard city-centre advice applies: do not leave valuables in view, consider steering wheel locks for high-risk models, and park under lighting where possible.
Construction & Maintenance:
- Surface car parks undergo periodic maintenance (line repainting, surface patching, lighting checks). Observe temporary cones or barriersโthey are enforceable.
๐ Expert Tips
1) Budget Smart, Pay Smoothly
- Plan for ~ยฃ3/day and carry coins.
- Have a parking app set up with payment details to avoid searching for change or queueing at machines.
2) Event-Night Game Plan
- For Hull New Theatre and other evening events, arriving 60โ90 minutes early offers the best balance of space availability and calm pre-show time.
- On departure, pre-plan your exit routeโturns back to the A63 can be slow immediately after show times.
3) Van-Friendly Choice
- With no height barriers, Clarence Street works well for vans, people carriers, and higher-roof vehicles that are shut out of some multi-storeys.
4) EV Drivers: Charge While You Visit
- Use apps to pre-verify operational chargers in the centre.
- If charging at a site that also charges for parking, activate both sessions and set reminders to move once topped up.
5) Wet-Weather Wisdom
- After heavy rain, avoid low-lying margins where puddling can occur. Choose central bays with better drainage and lighting.
6) Blue Badge Strategy
- If the designated bays are full, pick a level standard bay with smooth transfer to the footway.
- Display the badge and clock as rules dictate; check the tariff board for any site-specific concessions.
7) Family-Friendly Planning
- For The Deep or family days out, pack snacks and layers, and consider midday returns to the car for breaks; Clarence Streetโs open layout makes re-accessing your vehicle straightforward.
๐ฎ Future Developments & What to Watch
- EV Expansion: Many UK city centres are incrementally increasing EV bay provision. Expect more bays over time, generally focused on 7kW AC in public car parks and occasional rapid hubs at retail/transport nodes.
- Public Realm & Road Space Changes: Hull has an active programme of street works and improvements. Footway quality, lighting, and cycle infrastructure around the centre may evolveโimproving walkability from Clarence Street to Queenโs Gardens and beyond.
- Tariff Adjustments: Operators review pricing periodically. Keep an eye on seasonal updates (often in April or aligned with budget cycles) and special promotions offered via apps.
๐งญ Getting There & Getting Out (Driving Playbook)
Approach Routes:
- From the A63, follow signs into the city and loop north-east towards Great Union Street (A1165).
- From Holderness Road and the east, the A1165 gives direct access to the Clarence Street area.
Arrival Checkpoints:
- Scan the tariff board immediately on arrival and confirm the charging hours.
- Choose a level, well-lit bay, especially for evening stays.
- If using P&D tickets, place them face-up on the dashboard before leaving the vehicle.
- If using an app, verify the location code and vehicle registration before confirming payment.
Departure Strategy:
- When the centre is busy, consider an alternative exit route to avoid queuing on the same turn as event traffic.
- If using sat-nav, compare two routes and choose the lesser-used bridge/crossing when possible.
๐งพ Understanding the Small Print (How to Read the Sign)
Common Phrases & What They Mean:
- โAll-dayโ: A fixed price covering a defined window (often from morning into evening). It may not include overnightโcheck for โ24 hoursโ vs charging hours.
- โCharging hoursโ: Times when payment is due (e.g., 08:00โ18:00). Outside those hours, parking may be free or restricted depending on the sign.
- โNo return within X hoursโ: Prevents churn abuseโdo not leave and come back to reset time limits if this applies.
- โPark wholly within a marked bayโ: If lines are worn, you still must make a reasonable effort to position within the intended bay footprint.
- โPenalty Charge Notice (PCN) may be issuedโ: Standard civil enforcementโdiscretion is limited; compliance is safest.
Evidence & Appeals:
- Pay machines and apps form part of the audit trail. Keep receipts or screenshots of active sessions until your visit concludes.
- If you believe a PCN is in error, follow the formal appeal process promptly, attaching any supporting evidence (tickets, photos showing signage/bay lines, Blue Badge display, etc.).
๐งโ๐ฆฝ Practical Accessibility Walk-Through
From Bay to Pavement:
- Prefer wide bays with clear kerb transitions.
- Where there is no ramped kerb adjacent to your bay, roll along the aisle to the nearest dropped kerb rather than attempting a high kerb lift.
Mobility Aids & Weather:
- In wet conditions, plan longer stopping distances for mobility scooters and choose non-glossy paving where possible.
- Use covered civic entrances or shopping arcades as waypoints in heavy rain or wind.
Companions & Assistance:
- If travelling with companions, nominate a single person to manage ticket purchase or app activation so the other can focus on safe transfer.
๐ง๏ธ Weather-Ready Parking
Rain:
- Choose central bays, avoid drainage low-points, and bring a spare microfibre towel to dry seats and dash before placing a P&D ticket.
Cold & Ice:
- Carry a windscreen cover and de-icer; this speeds up departures without idling excessively.
Heat:
- Avoid direct midday sun where possible; angled parking can reduce glare on the windscreen and keep the cabin cooler.
๐งฐ For Vans, Trades & Deliveries
Vehicle Size:
- The absence of a height barrier makes Clarence Street attractive for vans and minibuses.
- Park nose-in to reduce overhang into aisles and to keep rear doors clear for loading.
Short Hops vs. Full-Day:
- If you are on short jobs, check if hourly tariffs are offered; otherwise, the all-day price can still represent good value compared with kerbside risk.
Tools & Security:
- Keep tool bags and cases out of sight. Consider additional locks for rear doors when parked for extended periods.
๐งญ Tourist & Day-Out Playbook
The Deep:
- A family-friendly highlight. Parking at Clarence Street followed by a 15โ18 minute walk is a popular budget alternative to on-site options, especially on busy days.
- Time your visit to avoid peak aquarium slots if you prefer a quieter experience.
Old Town & Museums:
- The Museums Quarter, Trinity Square, and surrounding historic streets are a comfortable stroll from Clarence Streetโideal for combining culture, food, and riverside views.
Performing Arts:
- Hull New Theatre and City Hall host regular shows; on performance nights, earlier arrival improves parking choice and reduces post-event queues.
๐ง Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Clarence Street open 24/7?
A: It is generally accessible around the clock, but always consult the on-site signage. Certain maintenance or event-related measures could temporarily alter access.
Q2: Whatโs the safest assumption for the daily cost?
A: Plan for ~ยฃ3/day as a sensible central Hull benchmark. Final pricing is whatever appears on the current tariff board.
Q3: Can I pay by card or app?
A: Many central facilities support app payments, but Pay & Display machines at surface sites may sometimes be cash-oriented. Having an app and coins covers both scenarios.
Q4: Are there dedicated disabled bays?
A: Often yes in central surface car parks, but availability varies by site and time of day. If bays are occupied, choose a level standard bay and ensure clear kerb access.
Q5: Is there EV charging on site?
A: No confirmed on-site chargers at the time of writing. Use city-centre EV bays nearby and pre-check availability in your charging app.
Q6: Can I leave my van overnight?
A: Typically possible under standard rules, but ensure payment/entitlement covers the period and that overnight stays are not restricted by the posted conditions.
Q7: What if the car park is full?
A: Consider council long-stay alternatives (e.g., Francis Street, George Street MSCP) or Old Town options. Walking times generally range from 8 to 18 minutes depending on your destination.
๐งญ Summary for Quick Decision-Makers
- Best for: Cost-conscious all-day parking on the east side of the centre, close to Great Union Street.
- Why here: No height barrier, straightforward surface bays, and walkable to Queenโs Gardens, Hull New Theatre, Old Town, and The Deep.
- Plan: Budget ~ยฃ3/day, arrive early for events, and keep a parking app ready as a fallback.
- Check: On-site signage for the live tariff, charging hours, and any special conditions.
๐ Coordinates & Locator
Latitude: 53.746222
Longitude: โ0.3263688
These coordinates place the car park on the eastern approach to Hull city centre, making it especially convenient if you are arriving from the A1165 corridor or planning to visit attractions in and around Queenโs Gardens, Hull College, the Old Town, and the waterfront.
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