Thousands sign petition over hospital parking plan

Dr Jack Fletcher says there is not enough parking space at the hospital

More than 10,000 people have signed a petition against plans to bring in automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) in a hospital's car park.

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it was introducing the technology at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough later this year.

British Medical Association (BMA) representative Dr Jack Fletcher said the site did not have enough parking spaces and that a potential rise in fines would not fix the problem.

The trust said the technology was in place at its other sites and would "simplify" parking. Provider ParkingEye said it had "lots of experience" working with hospital trusts.

Dr Fletcher said there were about 2,500 parking spaces at the hospital for 9,000 staff.

He said: "We see problems with consultants arriving on site who can't get parked in the middle of the day because of capacity problems."

Parking at the hospital is currently run by the trust and Serco, according to the union Unite.

Dr Fletcher said doctors were concerned about the effect the introduction of ANPR would have on patients accessing healthcare.

"We don't think increasing fines on doctors or patients is the solution," he said.

Luke Myer said local people were really concerned about the plan

Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, who set up the petition, said local people were "really concerned".

He said ParkingEye's financial model was based on fining people.

"We don't think that's right for the NHS," he said.

'Makes parking safer'

The trust said it was working on a "wider plan" to reduce traffic by encouraging car sharing.

It also said it was considering bringing the technology to Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

ParkingEye said its systems "enhance accessibility and make parking easier and safer".

The provider also said it was in "early discussions" with the trust about implementing the system which allow drivers to park and pay when they leave.

The trust also said the new system would remove the need for barriers which can cause "significant delays".

"Blue badge holders will still be able to park for free and permits will still be available for regular visitors," a spokesperson said.