Automated parking payment system

A vehicle parking system for use at an on-street or other roadside parking area having provision for parking a vehicle in a parking space 3 comprises first and second camera means 1 which record the number plate of any vehicle entering and leaving the area respectively and the entry and exit times. Data input means 5 are provided to allow the user of a vehicle parking in the area to identify their vehicle and/or parking space and to pay for the parking. A processing arrangement distinguishes vehicles entering the parking area and parking their vehicles from vehicles travelling on the road or street not using a parking space within said parking area. There may be further CCTV cameras to image vehicles whilst they are parked.