Why is my Parking Start/End Time Different to What I Selected?

At RingGo, we want to be as transparent as possible about how your parking is calculated. If you notice that your start or end times don't perfectly match what you entered, don't worry—it’s usually the app working to get you the most accurate (and often the best value) session.

Here are the most common reasons why this happens.

1. Parking Outside "Chargeable Hours"

Many parking zones are free during certain times (for example, overnight or on Sundays).

• The Shifted Start: If you pay for parking at 10:00 PM but the zone is free until 8:00 AM the next day, the system will automatically set your "Start Time" to 8:00 AM.

• The Benefit: This ensures you aren't paying for "free" time. Your session will officially begin right when the enforcement period starts.

2. Tariff Reset Periods

Some operators (like railway stations) have "tariff days" that end at a specific time, such as 4:00 AM.

• If you select "1 Day" of parking, the app might end the session at the operator's official cut-off time rather than exactly 24 hours from when you clicked "Pay."

• Always review the Expiry Time on the confirmation screen before you finish your booking.

3. Grace Periods

Some councils offer a small grace period (e.g., 5 or 10 minutes) at the start or end of a session. While your paid time might show one thing, the operator’s rules might technically allow for a slightly different window. However, we always recommend following the times shown in your Active Session to stay safe.

💡 Stay in Control

To ensure you have the peace of mind you deserve:

• Check the Signs: Local signs are the "final word" on when chargeable hours begin and end.

• Review the Summary: Before you confirm payment, the app shows a summary including the exact Start and End times. If these don't look right, double-check the local tariff rules.

• Use the Parking Locator: Tap the "i" or "See Prices" icon in the RingGo app to view the specific chargeable hours for that location.