Wrongly enforced hospital parking fines cancelled

The health trust running the hospital said it was "aware of an error" over parking fines

Hospital visitors who were incorrectly fined after paying for parking are to have the charges cancelled.

What was described as a "large number" of people who parked at Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary between 26 July and 4 August later received notifications they had not paid for a ticket and would be charged up to £70.

Annie Gray, who received five fines when visiting her husband, said the situation had been "stressful".

Parkmaven, which oversees the car park, blamed an unspecified "technical communication fault", while North Cumbria Integrated Care Trust apologised for "any distress or inconvenience".

As required, Mrs Gray, of Irthington, near Carlisle, paid each time she exited the site.

However, within a few days she received letters notifying her she was being fined £70 - or £30 if paid within 14 days - due to having "no valid parking session".

Her daughter also received a fine during the same period.

Former Cumberland Infirmary chaplain Annie Gray was among the victims of the parking bungle

"I think it's disgusting," said Mrs Gray, who used to be a chaplain at the hospital.

"Parking these days is difficult enough if you're not tech-savvy, especially when people are visiting a hospital.

"This makes it even more stressful. To do this to people is awful."

Mrs Gray appealed against her fines and was told they had been cancelled.

Incorrect penalties

The hospital trust and Parkmaven confirmed charges will be annulled for all and that anyone who has already paid will be reimbursed.

"We are aware of an error where a large number of people who parked at Cumberland Infirmary between 26th July and 4th August 2025 have been sent a letter incorrectly stating that they did not pay for parking," the trust said.

"This has understandably caused stress for those who have been incorrectly sent a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).

"Parkmaven have stated the issue has now been resolved and have taken steps to ensure this does not happen again."

In a statement published on the trust's website, the parking company said cancellation letters would be sent automatically and there would be no need to submit an appeal.