Customers have been assured that parking charges will not go up as a new camera system is introduced at Macclesfield Hospital.
The new ParkingEye system will record the registration of vehicles entering and leaving the hospital site, and use the data to enforce parking penalties.
Customers will have to input their registration details when paying for parking, and the new system will mean they can now pay by debit or credit card.
Payment can be made at the company’s machines or online, via text message or by telephone, meaning visitors will not need to return to the car park to pay for extra time.
At the moment the hospital’s security staff enforce parking, which it says is time-consuming and draws them away from other duties.
Tim Ward, East Cheshire NHS Trust’s head of facilities, said: “These changes will make parking at Macclesfield Hospital more convenient and secure, while helping to ensure good access for our patients and visitors and deter dangerous and inconsiderate parking.
“I’m sure lots of people will welcome the convenience of card payments which can be made and as is the case currently, all revenue raised from parking tariffs will be put back into the vital services the trust provides.”
The new payment machines are already in place across the car park, but any penalties incurred under the new system will not be enforced until January. Parking for Blue Badge holders and cancer and renal patients will remain free of charge.
The trust is not being charged for the installation, instead the cost is being met by ParkingEye and all parking revenue will be retained by the trust to reinvest in patient care. ParkingEye will retain revenue from any parking charges given to motorists who fail to pay for their stay. These charges are set to increase slightly from the current £60, or £30 if paid within 14 days, to £70, or £40 if paid within 14 days. There will, however, be a thorough appeals process to waive these charges in appropriate circumstances, such as medical emergencies.
Additionally, any motorists who have their initial appeal rejected by ParkingEye and the trust will be able to further appeal through the independent body Parking on Private Land Appeals.
Tim added: “It is vital that people abide by the terms and conditions of our car parks and pay the correct tariffs as the new cameras will pick up every vehicle parking at the site and check whether an appropriate payment has been made.
“However, we would like to assure patients and visitors that all appeals will be dealt with fairly and thoroughly and people should not hesitate to appeal against a parking charge notice if they feel there are genuine mitigating circumstances to their case.”
Anyone with any queries should contact 01625 663650.
