A Teesside hospital could see automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras installed following complaints about inappropriate use of parking bays.
A new parking management system could be introduced at Redcar Hospital following concerns raised at a Kirkleatham ward meeting about drivers misusing the car park - including parking across multiple bays and in ambulance bays, as well as disabled and drop-off spaces.
Redcar and Kirkleatham councillor Marian Fairley told followers on social media that she had been in contact with NHS Property Services over recent months about the parking problems, and the shortage of available spaces.
According to Cllr Fairley, NHS Property Services intends to introduce an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system to monitor vehicles entering and leaving the car park.
Cllr Fairley said the concerns included vehicles parking in ambulance bays, parking on pavements and verges, remaining in drop-off bays for extended periods and occupying more than one parking space.
Cars seen parked at Redcar Primary Care Hospital in no-parking areas.
(Image: Google Maps)
Under the proposed system, motorists would need to register their vehicle at reception as a member of staff, patient or visitor.
Cllr Fairley also reassured residents that parking at the hospital would remain free, and that the proposed system would focus on tackling misuse of the car park and improving availability.
However, some residents have questioned how affective an ANPR system would be for clamping down on misuse of the car park.
One commenter wrote: "I’m not sure how an ANPR camera is going to solve the issues raised? All it will do is register cars entering and leaving the car park.
"How will that stop cars being parked on the pavement, or any of the other issues?"
Another said: "The introduction of in-and-out ANPR does nothing to sort any of the problems with parking that were mentioned.
"However, a real solution such as 6m x 3m bays and sufficient parking provision would resolve many."
Car seen parked on a grass verge at Redcar Primary Car Hospital.
(Image: Google Maps)
Dozens of other residents also complained about the size of the spaces, and suggested that increasing the number of spaces and widening the lines would solve the majority of parking problems at Redcar Hospital.
One commenter said: "The problem with occupying more than one space is that some spaces aren't wide enough."
Another wrote: "The spaces are too narrow and people can’t alight their cars properly without contorting themselves, or risk damaging other cars. The spacing needs widening."
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A spokesperson for NHS Property Services said: "It is correct that we are looking into options for parking controls at the site, however, we are still in early stages of feasibility.
"There have been no decisions made as yet on how the facility will be run."
Many visitors to the hospital have asked for further clarification on the registration system, with some frustrated with the idea of waiting in long queues when dropping off or collecting patients, or visiting the on-site pharmacy.
If the proposals go ahead, it would mean a significant change to the way parking is managed at the hospital.