ANPR Cameras to Enforce New Parking Charges at Nottinghamshire Hospitals

An automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera system is set to be implemented to manage increased parking fees across three hospitals in Nottinghamshire. This system will become active at King’s Mill Hospital and Mansfield Community Hospital on Thursday, followed by Newark Hospital on Friday. Hospital visitors will be required to settle their parking fees prior to departure, utilizing either new payment machines or an online application, to avoid incurring a £50 penalty. The complimentary drop-off duration has been extended from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. Concurrently, parking costs for a one-hour period will increase from £1.80 to £2, and a six-hour stay will see its price rise from £5.50 to £6.50. Last July, certain patients characterized the parking conditions during peak hours as “dire” and “absolutely manic,” following a malfunction of the car park barriers. According to officials, the introduction of the new ticketless system is intended to enhance the movement of vehicles within and out of the car parks and to guarantee that both visitors and staff utilize their allocated parking areas. They further noted that this revised pricing framework aligns the trust’s charges with those of other regional hospitals. Richard Mills, the chief financial officer for Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust, stated: “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.” He added: “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 new visitor parking charges will now apply across all three hospital locations. The trust indicated that in addition to the 30-minute drop-off allowance within the car parks, dedicated drop-off zones are also available outside the main entrances of all hospitals and at the emergency department at King’s Mill, permitting visitors to park for 10 minutes. Free or discounted parking options will continue to be available for specific patient categories, including complimentary parking for Blue Badge holders. The trust also confirmed that extra personnel would be present to assist patients and visitors upon the activation of the new system. The trust, which provides virtual appointment options for patients not requiring in-person visits, persists in advising patients and visitors to utilize public transportation when traveling to its hospitals, where feasible.