If you own an area of land that is currently sitting idle, then you may be surprised at just how straightforward it is to turn it into a regular earner. Perhaps the simplest and most effective way of doing this is to fit a pay and display machine.

These machines are commonly known to properties across the UK, simple to run, and can generate consistent profits for landowners with little day-to-day involvement. In this article, we will explain how pay and display works, why it’s such an excellent investment, and how Omne Technology can make the whole process stress-free.

What do we mean by Pay and Display Machine? 

Pay and display machines are easily located in private and public car parks. The idea is simple: a motorist buys a ticket from a machine, fitted at the car park, (or via an affiliated app), displays it on their vehicle, and parks for the amount of time they paid for.

The landowners have a means of access control, see user analytics, and most importantly, earn money from otherwise underutilised land.

Why Turning Vacant Land into a Pay and Display Car Park Makes Sense 

1. Unleashing hidden value

Land that sits unused normally involves cost rather than profit. You might still be responsible for business rates, insurance, security, or mere maintenance. Redeveloping the land as a managed car park turns a loss into a steady income stream.

2. Constant demand for parking

Demand for parking spaces generally exceeds supply in most towns and cities. UK councils collected more than £1 billion from parking charges in one year, the record level ever (This is Money). It goes to show just how keen the demand is among drivers for convenient and easy parking.

If your business is near a shopping precinct, business estate, or residential housing estate with restricted on-street parking, a car park is likely to generate consistent trade.

3. Small up-front cost of installation and simple running costs

As opposed to large-scale schemes, pay and display requires minimal capital. Surplus costs are lining, surfacing, signs, and the fitting of the machine itself. Lighting, CCTV, or barriers can be added where appropriate.

Routine enforcement and maintenance are part of proven management regimes, so you will not be doing it all by yourself.

4. Steady, rising income

Once you’ve established rates and the system is installed, you can forecast revenues with fair accuracy. Charges may be varied over a time frame to take account of inflation, demand, or special dispensations such as season tickets or permits.

Practicalities Before You Get Underway for Pay and Display Machine

The transformation of an unused site to a pay and display car park requires a little prep work. These are some basics to bear in mind:

Surface and layout: Clear bay lines, adequate drainage, and good lighting instil customers with confidence and allow you to keep prices  competitive.

Robust machines: Equipment must be weatherproof, reliable, and able to accept up-to-date payment methods — cash, card, contactless, and app.

Enforcement (optional): Motorists can escape unscathed without adhering to rules if enforcement is not present. This normally includes patrols, signs, or ANPR/CCTV installations.

Ongoing operations, including washing, lighting, machine maintenance, and insurance, all
need to be factored in.

Pricing strategy: Compare with those nearby. Set competitive and profitable prices, and explore options such as evening tariffs, weekend tickets, or business permits locally.

How Omne Technology Keeps It Easy 

At Omne Technology, we have a specialised role of helping landowners to unlock the earning potential of their property through efficiently managed parking. Our “Cash for Land” service is to eliminate impediments and make it an effortless process.

This is how we can help you:

Full installation: From surfacing and line marking to machine installation and signposting, we do everything.

Low or zero up-front cost: In the majority of cases, we fund the infrastructure through a service agreement, so you do not incur any huge up-front cost.

Full-service provision: We supply enforcement, CCTV, patrols, and all back-office processing.

Open-book revenue sharing: You receive an open proportion of the revenue with periodic reporting.

Adaptive solutions: Pay and display can be combined with other services such as permits, maximum-stay controls, or special schemes for residents and businesses.

With 900+ car parks already in our management across the UK, our track record ensures that your land is used efficiently.

Here are some simplified illustrations to show what’s possible. Actual figures will vary depending on location, demand, and pricing:

Even after deducting running costs, margins are typically very healthy — especially when professional management is in place.

Even after deducting running costs, margins are typically very high — especially when there is expert management. Check out our revenue calculator for estimations.

As with any business, there are risks. The most typical are:

Poor location: If the location is unlocated or difficult to access, take-up will be low. Investigate local demand thoroughly.

Misuse or vandalism: Equipment and facilities can be jeopardised. Omne Technology provides CCTV monitoring and a vandal-proof pay and display machine.

Maintenance: Machines, signs, and surfaces all need ongoing attention. Forget these also harm reputation and revenue.

Incorrect pricing: Discourage drivers with excessive pricing; short profits with bargain-basement pricing. Track prices constantly against the market conditions.

Converting underused land to a pay and display car park is one of the simplest ways to create an ongoing revenue stream from otherwise empty property. With the right set-up and good management, risks are low and returns can be great.

Omne Technology handles every process — installation and day-to-day running —so that you are able to enjoy the returns. Tiny corner plot or large site, pay and display could be the straightforward, hassle-free solution you have been looking for.

If you’d like to explore what your land could earn, get in touch with our team today, and we’ll be happy to guide you through the next steps.