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25
Feb
Harrogate hospital chief executive defends new parking system
The chief executive of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has defended a new parking system at its hospital amid criticism from patients.
Parkingeye, which operates car parks across 30 NHS trusts, was brought in to manage the hospital’s automated number plate recognition system car park in September 2023.
At the time, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said the ticketless system would help to reduce congestion on Lancaster Park Road.
However, The Stray Ferret has received numerous letters and complaints that the company has issued unfair parking fines.
In an interview with the Stray Ferret, Jonathan Coulter, chief executive at the trust, said he understood concerns from patients over cost and confusion over where to park.
He said prices for charges will be reviewed in May and that the contract with the company would also be kept under review.
But, Mr Coulter defended the new system and said he felt it was an improvement on the parking arrangements that the hospital had in the past.
He said:
Read more:
- Outrage as Harrogate hospital parking firm ‘incorrectly’ issues fine
- Harrogate hospital defends new parking charges
- Harrogate hospital defends criticism of new parking payment system
Mr Coulter said the trust had cancelled “a number” of fines for a drop off point at the hospital’s Briary Unit, which was not supposed to be subject to parking notices.
Trust officials had directed drivers there to drop patients off for appointments
He added that the issue had been raised with Parkingeye and been resolved.
Multiple people have approached the Stray Ferret with concerns over parking at the hospital.
Jonathan Heap said he visited the hospital on November 23 to see his consultant and entered the car park as the signage said spaces were available.
Mr Heap said he drove around the car park “five times” but was unable to find a parking space. Instead, he went to Willaston Car Park and paid £4 at the kiosk to park.
However, a week later, he received a £70 fine from Parkingeye. He appealed the fine and said he had already paid a fee to park.
His appeal was turned down. A letter from the company, which has been seen by the Stray Ferret,
told Mr Heap that signage said the car park was for “permit holders and authorised vehicles only”.
It added that “there is no record that the vehicle was authorised to park on site on the date of the event”.
However, the company offered to reduce Mr Heap’s fine to £35.
Mr Heap told the Stray Ferret that the system in place was “atrocious” and that the time taken to park meant he was unable to see his consultant.
He said:
Look out for an in-depth interview with Jonathan Coulter, chief executive of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, on the Stray Ferret on Monday and Tuesday.
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