Cameras to monitor new hospital parking charges

Car park users will now have to pay before they leave, rather than as they enter

New cameras will enforce increased parking charges at three Nottinghamshire hospitals.

The automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system is due to go live at King's Mill Hospital and Mansfield Community Hospital on Thursday and at Newark Hospital on Friday.

Visitors will have to pay before they leave via new machines or an online app or risk a £50 fine.

A free drop-off period has been extended from 15 to 30 minutes, while charges for one hour will rise from £1.80 to £2 and a six-hour stay will go from £5.50 to £6.50.

The hospitals have faced criticism over car parking provision over the summer

In July, some patients described the parking situation as "dire" and "absolutely manic" at peak times, after barriers stopped working.

Officials said the new ticketless system aimed to improve flow in and out of car parks and ensure both visitors and employees park in designated car parks.

The new price structure has brought the trust in line with other hospitals in the region, they added.

Richard Mills, chief financial officer at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "The new system will make it easier for patients and visitors by offering more ways to pay, which is particularly good news at Newark Hospital where coins have been the only method of payment.

"We know spaces are limited and parking can be challenging at times, so we are grateful for everyone's support and patience as we continue to improve our car parking arrangements."

The visitor parking charges at all three hospital sites will now be:

• 30 minutes - free

• Up to one hour - £2.00

• One to two hours - £4.00

• Two to four hours - £5.50

• Four to eight hours - £6.50

• Eight to 24 hours - £8.00

• Seven day pass - £12.50

• Month pass - £30.00

The trust said as well as the 30 minute drop-off period in the car parks, there were also drop-off zones outside the main entrance at all hospitals and the emergency department at King's Mill where visitors can park for 10 minutes.

Free or reduced-price parking would remain in place for various patient groups, including free parking for Blue Badge holders.

Additional staff will be on hand to support patients and visitors when the new system goes live, the trust added.

The trust, which offers the option of virtual appointments to patients who do not need to attend in person, continues to encourage patients and visitors to use public transport to visit its hospitals where possible.