Queues are continuing to form at St Mary’s Hospital, five months after the new parking system was implemented.
Following a consultation, an automatic number plate recognition system replaced the old ‘pay and display’ machines. Visitors to the hospital using the main car park now pay before leaving, rather than upon arrival.
20 minute wait for some
However, queues continue to form — leaving some visitors waiting for up to 20 minutes to pay and leave.
A spokesperson for St Mary’s Hospital said an adjustment period was needed to allow people ‘to be completely comfortable’ with the new system.
They said they found some visitors needed more assistance than others, and delays could occur at busy times of the day — such as when clinics are held, or when people come in for blood tests.
‘Real benefits’ to the new system
They added:
“We are continuing to support patients and visitors with using the payment machine and are working with APCOA to improve the payment process and introduce other ways to pay.
“Patients no longer have the worry of their parking ticket running out if their appointment time overruns which is a real benefit of the new system.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which OnTheWight is taking part in. Some additions by OnTheWight. Ed
