It’s all change for commuters and travellers to continental Europe who park up before catching the train from Ashford International station.

High Speed 1 have installed new barriers on the the international side of the station as part of parking upgrades.

The new system went live today on Monday December 12.

Number plate recognition will replace paper tickets, and users can pay for parking with their vehicle registration details at the machines.

The new system also entitles drivers to free parking for 20 minutes for drop offs and pick ups on level 5 of the multi-storey car park, car park D, car park E and the station frontage.

A spokesperson for High Speed 1 said: “The barrier and ticketing equipment at Ashford International are being upgraded as part of a wider programme of investment in the parking facilities at Ashford International, to improve overall customer experience across the station.

“New barriers on the entrance road to the station will better manage traffic, and a dual lane will improve the flow of cars at peak times.

“Picking up and dropping off passengers has also been made easier, as the complementary 20 minute limit has been extended from the front of the station to include all car parks.

“Customers who are dropping off passengers for Eurostar departures will now also be able to use level 5 of the multi-storey car park and access the departure gates directly via the overpass.

“The new system, due to go live on Monday 12th December, will also remove the need for paper tickets.

“Instead, a vehicle’s registration number will be picked up by camera technology on entry, with the customer then paying at the machine.”

What do you think? Email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk or call 01233 623232.