Parking charges SUSPENDED at Salisbury District Hospital
The new system, launched last week, has been causing some controversy
Parking charges at Salisbury District Hospital have been suspended until further notice.
The NHS Trust have made the decision following concerns about overcharging, grace periods while people find parking spaces, and the difficulties with using an app.
The new fees system was introduced last week (Monday 6th February) using automatic number plate recognition to check vehicles as they come onto the hospital site.
In a statement, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust CEO Stacey Hunter said:
"Many patients and visitors have contacted me about problems that they are encountering with the new automated car parking system that was introduced this week. I wish to thank everyone who has brought these issues to my attention.
"Following investigations, a number of problems with the Automatic Number Plate Recognition ANPR cameras, and with the mobile phone app used for payment have been discovered. We have alerted the supplier to these problems and they have begun work to fix the issues. While that work is being undertaken, the system is being suspended and there will be no parking charges for patients and visitors until further notice.
"On behalf of the Trust I appreciate the support from our community and apologise for the confusion, frustration and inconvenience that has been caused by the system's failures. Please be assured that there will be full testing of the system before it is re-introduced and we have been given assurance from the company that it is working properly."