Car parking problems at Russells Hall Hospital have been raised in Parliament by Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles, who took the issue to Westminster after a rise in complaints about unfair Parking Charge Notices (PCN).
The hospital introduced automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to reduce the time drivers spent waiting at barriers, but the move has led to an increase in reports of patients, visitors, and staff receiving fines despite correctly registering and paying for parking.
MP highlights cases in House of Commons
Speaking in the House of Commons on October 22, Ms Eccles said: “At Russells Hall Hospital many patients, visitors and staff have reported receiving parking charge notices despite correctly registering and paying for their parking.”
She noted that the car park is managed by private company Group Nexus, and that those receiving fines include blue badge holders and even a priest who was administering last rites.
Ms Eccles asked the Leader of the House of Commons, Sir Alan Campbell, if he agreed the NHS Trust needed to investigate the matter urgently. In response, Sir Alan said: “NHS trusts are responsible for car parking charges and are expected to follow the NHS car parking guidance.”
Trust acknowledges problems
The hospital has already apologised for the issues. On October 5, a committee of Dudley councillors was told by Laura Broster, group director of communications at the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, that the parking experience was “not good enough”.
Ms Broster said: “We don’t believe every aspect of the ANPR system is currently right and working well. Our partners Mitie have committed to practical improvements including clearer signage and working with Group Nexus to make sure appropriate concessions are properly recognised and they are applied fairly.”
MPs demand urgent meeting
Ms Eccles, along with other Dudley MPs, is writing to hospital bosses and Group Nexus demanding an urgent meeting to discuss unfair fines and what is being done to resolve the problem.
Sir Alan also noted that some hospitals use private companies and that a new code of practice is coming in. He said: “I hope that her trust has heard her concerns today and that other trusts will look at this, to ensure that as the new code of practice comes in, they are fulfilling their obligations.”
