Petition against Parkingeye’s ANPR system at James Cook Hospital gains 7,000 signatures due to concerns about fairness and impact.
James Cook Hospital uses ANPR cameras. It will also be at Friarage Hospital. Parkingeye will install the cameras this summer. The plan has caused anger. Over 7,000 people signed the petition.
The MP says the system is unfair. It hurts those in emergencies. He says paying on arrival is hard. Emergency patients don’t know how long they’ll stay.
Parkingeye and the Trust say you pay on exit. Discussions about the system are early.
Parkingeye said they want to improve parking. Their system is meant to help hospitals. It helps people park correctly. The Trust asked for pay on exit.
They have worked with other hospitals. They want to improve access. They will teach people how to use the new system.
Unite union is worried. They feel they weren’t consulted. The Trust chose Parkingeye, and this has made staff and unions concerned. They are unhappy about the limited consultation.
The MP will keep his petition open. He understands the system comes soon. It will arrive within a few months.
A councillor spoke about Parkingeye at James Cook. He said Stockton’s system works well. Staff heard about this in a briefing.
The Trust says no dates are set yet. Discussions are still in the beginning stages. ANPR is already used elsewhere.
The Trust wants to improve parking. They want to make parking the same. This system will be at both hospitals. It’s for staff and visitors.
The new system should launch this summer. People will pay upon leaving. They enter their license plate at kiosks. Disabled badge holders can still park free. Regular visitors can still get permits.
The system makes things safer for drivers and walkers. It removes barriers to prevent delays. The system gives data to improve traffic.
This system will make parking consistent. It’s across all hospitals with the Trust. This makes travel easier for everyone.