Parking problems at Russells Hall Hospital have been raised in Parliament by MP Cat Eccles, who has called for an urgent investigation into the site's parking enforcement system. The Stourbridge MP spoke in the House of Commons on October 22, highlighting complaints from patients, visitors, and staff who have received parking charge notices despite registering and paying for their parking.
MP highlights unfair parking charge notices
During the debate, Ms Eccles said: "At Russells Hall Hospital, which serves my constituency, many visitors and staff have reported receiving parking charge notices despite correctly registering and paying for their parking." She told Parliament that the hospital car park is owned and operated by private companies and claimed some of those affected included Blue Badge holders and a priest who was administering last rites.
Ms Eccles called for an urgent investigation by Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust to help ensure the Government's new Private Parking Code of Practice is properly followed. Following her intervention, Ms Eccles said: "Yesterday in Parliament I raised the issue of patients, visitors and staff receiving unfair parking fines at Russell's Hall Hospital due to the new ANPR system. People are struggling to appeal parking charge notices and being ripped off at what can be a stressful time."
Trust chief executive apologises
Earlier this month, Diane Wake, chief executive of Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, issued an apology to patients, visitors, and staff affected by parking issues at the site. She said: "We are sorry. The current parking experience at Russells Hall Hospital is not good enough, and we recognise the frustration and distress this is causing patients, visitors and staff."
Ms Wake said that while the trust does not own or operate the hospital's car parks, responsibility lies with Mitie under the hospital's PFI arrangements, with Group Nexus providing the ANPR and parking enforcement system.
New Private Parking Code of Practice announced
The debate also coincides with the Government's announcement of a new Private Parking Code of Practice. Under the proposals, motorists will be guaranteed a five-minute consideration period after entering a car park before deciding whether to stay. Drivers will also receive a 10-minute grace period after their paid parking session ends before enforcement action can be taken.
Visitors to Russells Hall will hope this new code of parking is respected at the hospital.
