ANPR will 'improve parking experience' - Northampton hospital

There are 360 spaces for patients and visitors in the main car parks at Northampton General Hospital

A hospital said new number plate cameras around the site would "improve the parking experience".

The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) devices are being introduced at Northampton General Hospital on Monday.

Cameras will clock when people enter the car parks and they only need to pay at a machine when they leave, avoiding the need to pay and display.

Some users have welcomed the news, although others say it will not make it easier to find a space at busy times.

ANPR cameras will record the number plates of cars as they enter the hospital site

At the moment, patients and visitors have to guess how long they will need a parking space for and pay on arrival.

It is possible to extend parking time via a mobile phone app or by returning to the payment machines, but not everyone is familiar with apps and there is a risk of patients being unable to access digital devices during appointments.

The hospital's head of hotel services, Ian Howson, said the ANPR system would "improve the car parking experience".

"The process will mean patients and visitors won't have to worry about car parking tickets running out," he said.

"We hope the new system will improve vehicle movement on site and provide a quicker entrance and exit to our car parks".

The hospital said it hoped the new system would improve vehicle movement on the site

The hospital added that people could still drop off and pick up, and ANPR would not affect free parking for Blue Badge users.

While some people have welcomed the move on social media, others said there were not enough spaces and they could be charged if they drive around looking for a parking bay.

The hospital said: "The ANPR system will give visitors 30 minutes free of charge to look for a parking space or to drop off/pick up and leave the site."