This is a revenue generation and collection system and is widely used in the UK. Users normally enjoy unrestricted vehicular access to the parking facility, this is useful if access road infrastructure is limited or the car park is relatively small. One machine will serve 80 parking bays in an off-street situation but considerably fewer in on-street circumstances.

Most modern pay and display machines produce excellent audit facilities and reduce potential shrinkage and can provide useful statistical data that can be used strategically.