The Royal United Hospital in Bath has built a new 300-space car park that’s opening in September, and at the same time they’ll be introducing a computerised parking payment system.
Parking charges, for the fifth year running, are not being increased.
The hospital are replacing their old barriers and pay and display machines with an automated number plate recognition system called ANPR. Cameras will read your vehicle registration number (VRN) and tell you how much you owe when you come to leave.
It’ll mean some changes, particularly if you’re a Blue Badge holder, or if you’re a regular visitor and used to the old system. The RUH have answered a few common questions regarding the change below:
Q: Will the new 300-space car park mean I’ll always find a space at the RUH?
“We’re afraid not, although this is a significant increase in spaces available. Like all hospitals, demand for parking is very high and we can’t guarantee you’ll always find a space. Please leave extra time for your journey and consider using the Odd Down Park & Ride and other public transport alternatives.”
Q: Why haven’t you built a multi-story car park at the RUH?
“The number of spaces we can have on site is determined by B&NES Council as the local planning authority. We’ve been allowed an additional 350 spaces across the site, the number limited by the pressure on local roads and the possible adverse effect on air quality.
“Our 300-space car park is built on land made available following the demolition of the old pathology lab and mortuary. The other 50 spaces will be built in a year or so when capital funds are available.”
Q: Are you putting up car parking charges – and where does the money go?
“Parking charges are not increasing, for the fifth year running. There will be changes to two current tariffs – the £1 for 30-minutes charge will be replaced by a £2 for one-hour fee, while the current £15 five-day ticket will be extended to seven days at no extra cost.
“Concessions for visitors and patients requiring frequent attendance over a lengthy period will remain in place.
“Parking fees cover the cost of providing parking, including ownership, maintenance, security and staffing and are not designed to generate profit. Any incidental profits are put back into patient care.”
Q: Why ANPR instead of barriers and pay and display?
“ANPR is a consistent means of charging for car parking. With ANPR you can pay in a flexible variety of ways, including after you have left the car park. It will be easier and more reliable for people to use and means you only pay for the time you spend in the car park.”
Q: How does all this affect Blue Badge holders?
“You will continue to park for free. But we need to log your vehicle registration number(s) and Blue Badge details on to the ANPR computer database. ANPR works by recognising registration numbers. If it has your number and your Blue Badge details, it will know who you are and that you qualify for free parking.”
Q: How do I register my vehicle(s) and Blue Badge details?
“There are two ways. Come to the main hospital reception desk with your documents, or all us on 01225 824100 and then present your Blue Badge for database validation at reception when you next visit the RUH. Each Blue Badge holder can register up to three vehicles.
“Once registered and confirmed, you still need to display your badge in your vehicle while parked.”
Q: What if I forget or don’t know I have to register?
“Car park signs will clearly explain what you should do. If you park without registering your vehicle and Blue Badge, the ANPR system will not know you are entitled to free parking and you could receive an £80 parking charge notice.
“To avoid that you must register your badge and vehicle at reception for a one-day pass.”
Q: What about motorbikes – will they be charged?
“No. ANPR will recognise that their VRN is for a motorbike and parking will be free as long as they use designated M/C bays. Extra bays are being provided in the new car park.”
Q: What about community transport and volunteer drivers?
“Lists of VRNs should be emailed to [email protected] to be included on the ANPR database. Vehicles will then avoid charges should they overstay in areas like the 20-min drop off, and can park for free in the public car parks.
“Drivers bringing in a patient with a disability must present the Blue Badge at the main reception desk. The driver will be allowed to park in a Blue Badge area even if not a Blue Badge holder themselves for that visit.
:Drivers who are themselves Blue Badge holders can register for permanent Blue Badge exemption from parking fees. This will allow them to park at no cost or penalty in Blue Badge bays or patient car parks (but not to overstay 20-min bays).
“Registering is done by calling 01225 824100 and then presenting their Blue Badge at main reception on their next visit.
“The new system supersedes any previous arrangements, such as notes or cards in car windows, as the ANPR will not be able to read the information.
Q: How do I appeal against a parking charge notice (PCN)?
“Appeals are made directly to the car park managing company ParkingEye. Information and contact numbers will be included with any PCN issued, either through the post or attached to a vehicle parked on site.”
Q: Who can I contact with any more questions?
“Please call 01225 824100 or email [email protected]”.
The new car parking system will be introduced in early September, with the exact date to be confirmed soon.
