Parking row at hospital sees key NHS worker slapped with seven fines – ‘horrendous’

Kathryn Wilson works at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, where parking areas have been reduced as a result of building works. An email was sent to employees to explain the changes and signs were erected.

Despite this, the hospital workers said the busy nature of her job meant she and a number of other workers didn’t know about the rules.

She is employed at the hospital as part of its domestic team – playing a key role in the fight against Covid.

But now she has been left fuming after she was slapped with seven parking fines.

Speaking to ChronicleLive, the issue was raised with Parkingeye – the firm which manages parking for the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust.

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“By the time you get into work it’s ‘head down, get on with work’. It’s not something we can look at. I had no idea.”

Before learning that the majority of her penalty notices were to be quashed, Kathryn said she was “losing sleep” and concerned about the impact of the fines on her credit rating.

She added: “I feel better now, not 100 percent but obviously I’d rather pay the one than seven.

“But it’s definitely better news, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just not hanging over me, it’s a real relief.”

A Parkingeye spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “Parkingeye has partnered with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for nine years to significantly improve how it’s car parks operate.

“During this time there has been investment in modern consumer-facing systems which has enhanced accessibility and made parking at the hospital easier and safer for staff, patients and visitors. The system is designed to ensure the efficiency and smooth operation of the hospital by ensuring that patients, visitors and staff park in their allocated car parks.

“Since November 2021 the Blue Car Park has not been included in the Multi-Storey staff parking permits, with staff still being able to park in the Multi-Storey and Red Car Park only.

“The staff member has parked in the Blue Car Park on seven occasions since this change which has led to them receiving seven Parking Charge Notices (PCNs). Following a review we will cancel six of these charges as a gesture of goodwill, however the motorist will still be liable for one charge due to the administration and management fees associated with her unsuccessful appeal to POPLA, the independent body which reviews all cases.

“We would add that Parkingeye operates a BPA (British Parking Association) audited appeals process, which motorists can use to appeal their parking charge. If anyone has mitigating circumstances then we would encourage them to appeal.”

A Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust spokesperson said: “Building work at the Freeman Hospital meant that some staff were no longer able to access one of our smaller car parks. 

“Any changes to staff parking arrangements are shared widely through forums and meetings and all of our trust communication channels on a regular basis. We also ensure that we have visible signage in place across our car parks.”