Shropshire Star

Motorists confused by parking fee controls at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

Visitors getting to grips with a new hospital parking system have labelled the new payment regime confusing and "ridiculous".

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Hassle – Gwen Jones, of Newtown, says she is unhappy with the new system

Members of the public parking at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for appointments and visiting relatives said they did not agree with the new system.

They said paying as you leave meant people have to go through the process of using the machines after what are often upsetting hospital visits.

New charges were brought in at both the RSH and PRH earlier this month – the first car parking price increase at the two hospitals in eight years.

Confusing – Ronald Weir, of Hanwood

As part of the changes, a new automatic number plate recognition system has been introduced at the RSH, with the system to be introduced at the PRH later this winter.

The previous £2 flat rate has been scrapped in favour of new charges based on a visitor's length of stay.

The new charges allow up to 30 minutes of free parking, with up to two hours costing £2.50, five hours at £3, and over five hours at £3.50.

But since the new system has been introduced at the RSH, people have complained about having to pay twice when making return visits, as well as raising concerns about the difficulties of using the new pay machines.

Drivers now have to pay on exit, entering their registration plate details and selecting the relevant time period they have been parked for.

The old pay machines dotted around the car park have been taped up, with drivers directed to use the new machines.

The old machines are taped up

The new system and associated charges were given the thumbs-down by hospital visitors yesterday.

Ronald Weir, 76, from Hanwood near Shrewsbury, said he is visiting the hospital around 20 times a month to see his elderly aunt.

He said the new machines were confusing many visitors.

"It is ridiculous.

"I can work it out but there are a lot of people that can't do it. They just can't grasp it," he said.

"I feel sorry for older people. They might have had a trauma and they are coming back and trying to work this out.

"They have got enough on their mind.

"Previously, it was a couple of quid all day and if you wanted to come back it covered you."

He said parking at the hospital was now costing him between £40 to £50 a month, money that was coming out of his pension.

Mr Weir said he was also unhappy that private firm CP Plus, who operate the trust's car parks, are taking a large slice of the money paid by visitors and asked: "Why should it go to a private firm?

"I think the hospitals should run it themselves."

Gwen Jones, 62, from Newtown, was also visiting the hospital yesterday and was also unhappy about the new system.

"I think it is ridiculous. When you are not well or visiting someone, the last thing you want is a load of hassle," she said.

"I don't mind paying, but I don't think private firms should be running car parks."

Surprise – Belinda Pannett

Belinda Pannett, 40, from Hodnet, said she had been unaware of the changes and was surprised to find out about the new system.

"I was in a rush so probably haven't read everything properly. But I haven't seen anything about it," she said.

"The last time I was here, it was £2 and I knew the system."

Representatives from the hospital trust have previously said the changes represent the first increase in car parking prices for eight years and are essential to maintain health services.

Concessions are available for people on long-term treatment plans or who are visiting hospital regularly.

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